Just For Baby & More at 7701 Waters Ave. carries Guardian Sleepers.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission recently released information regarding the recent press around the tragic deaths of infants in defective cribs and bassinets. The Guardian Sleeper maintains the baby in the correct sleeping position to reduce the danger of SIDS. It helps to prevent the baby from slipping down under the blanket by means of a soft harness and therefore helps to protect the baby from overheating and suffocation.

This product positions the baby at the foot of the bed and away from the sides reducing the danger of suffocation while allowing airflow around the baby as it kicks to help maintain a healthy body temperature.

Cost of the Guardian Sleeper is $43.95.

For more info, call Just for Baby and More , a sponsor of SouthernMamas, at 912-355-4455.

The Savannah College of Art and Design invites you to the second annual SCAD Holiday Matinee, a family-friendly celebration of holiday spirit, Sat., Dec. 19, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

The free event, open to the public and held at SCAD’s historic Trustees Theater, 216 E. Broughton St., will feature screenings of the animated classics “Frosty the Snowman” and “Frosty Returns” beginning at 11 AM and the holiday comedy “Elf” at 2 PM.

Guests at SCAD Holiday Matinee also may enjoy complimentary refreshments, sing-alongs of favorite holiday classics and more.

For more info, contact the SCAD box office at 912.525.5050.

For more children’s holiday activities, visit the SouthernMamas Ultimate Holiday Guide here.

Hanukkah begins Dec. 11.

The Coastal Heritage Society’s Roundhouse Railroad Museum will present a special children’s storytime that is inclusive of both Hanukkah and Christmas.

The storytime is 10-11 AM Wed. Dec. 9 in the Baggage Car at the Roundhouse Railroad Museum,
601 West Harris St. It will feature stories about Christmas and Hanukkah as children learn more about holiday celebrations. Kids will make a Christmas ornament and a Hanukkah dreidel and enjoy a holiday snack.

Cost: $4 per child with adult admission. Reservations are requested. You can call 912-651-6823 or email childrensevents@chsgeorgia.org.

SouthernMamas Holiday Guide lists a slew of Christmas activities for children, but is lacking in Hanukkah activities. If you know if any that are open to the public and would be appropriate to include, please email the info to anne@southernmamas.com.

A toll-free 2009 H1N1 influenza information line is now up and running in the Coastal Health District.

Residents can access general information on the H1N1 flu 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by calling 1-888-497-8444.

The toll-free line provides callers with information on how the H1N1 flu is spread, how to avoid getting the flu, and tips on what to do if you get sick. In addition, the information line provides answers to frequently asked questions regarding the H1N1 flu.

The line was launched in an effort to educate citizens throughout the District, which includes Bryan, Camden Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, Long, and McIntosh counties, regarding H1N1 flu.

“Flu activity still remains widespread and the 2009 H1N1 virus continues to be the current dominant influenza virus circulating in our communities,” said Dr. Diane Weems, Chief Medical Officer for the Coastal Health District. “It is my hope that the Coastal Health District information line will provide our citizens with the knowledge they need to help combat the spread of the virus.”

Looking to start an annual tradition of choosing and cutting down your own Christmas tree?

Check back to SouthernMamas this week for a review from a reader of Okatie Farm , which has Christmas trees-you choose and you cut, precut Christmas trees, living Christmas trees (to plant later), Christmas wreaths and boughs, Christmas decorations, saws provided, trees bagged, trees tied, trees tied, gift shop. Click here for more info.

For more children’s holiday activities, visit the SouthernMamas Ultimate Holiday Guide here.

Kids love homegrown outlandish holiday lights displays with colorful flashing lights, huge blow-up snow globes and more. Tell us where your favorites are by commenting below.  

Below is a roundup of Savannah-area Christmas lights displays that were big last year. Let’s hope they are up again this year. If anyone knows the status of these and others, please let us know by commenting below or email anne@southernmamas.com

• 1. The Roddenberry home in Windsor Forest on Savannah’s Southside. It’s in the 200 block of Windsor Road.
• 2. 711 South St.
• 3. 202 Blue Marlin Drive on Whitemarsh Island, Seagate subdivision
• 4. 512 Gordonston Ave. (Definitely a favorite and one not to be missed!)
• 5. a home in The Hamptons, located in Buckhead South (Richmond Hill). Features light and music animated with 99.3 FM (Directions: third house on the left in Hamptons in Buckhead South.
  Take Highway 144 pass Publix, keep going for a while, turn right after the Episcopal church into Buckhead. Then when you are in the subdivision, take the second left. The subdivision is having a holiday lights contest. Enjoy!)
• 6. Stuart St. off of Waters Ave. between Stephenson and Lee St.
  (near the Oakdale subdivision)
• 7. http://www.ccprc.com/index.asp?nid=140
• 8. ADDITION FROM A SAVVY READER: 105 Mapmaker Lane, Battery Point subdivision on Whitemarsh Is. Computer controlled channels with 15,000 lights and the music is pumped into your car through the radio on 99.3 FM. There is a 20 minute show that loops from 6-10PM everynight. 
• 9. 182 Mills Run Drive, off Chatham Parkway
  10. 136 Chimney Road, Rincon

For more children’s holiday activities, visit the SouthernMamas Ultimate Holiday Guide here.

SouthernMamas reader Sally Ann Mertens wins a signed copy of a new book from Random House/Clarkson Potter, entitled “WHAT I KNOW: Uncommon Wisdom and Universal Truths from 10-year-olds and 100-year-olds.”

The autographed hardcover is a collection of life insights from opposite ends of the life spectrum, compiled as the author traveled all across the country to meet and interview centenarians and children alike.

Savannah centenarian twins Eloise Rogers and Lois Fisher were among dozens of 10-year-old youths and 100-year-old sages interviewed by author Roger Emerson Fishman of Los Angeles. The book consists of short quotes and profiles of people from around the nation.

Putting together a fun-filled fest for a troupe of toddlers with high expectations can feel like a tall order for any mom.

Let the team at Angela Beasley’s Puppet People take care of the entertainment. The beloved professionals perform puppet shows, Disney-like face painting or glitter tattoos, and “Mom & Me” puppet making workshops and hat making at the Puppet People Party Place or at any local venue of your choosing.

Parties at the Puppet People Party Place usually involve two hours of organized fun on a fantasy-filled puppet factory. Off-site shows are 30 minutes. Favorite theme parties include Prince/Princess or Mad Hatter Tea Party.

The 1,000-square foot Party Place is complete with a sound system so you can plug in your iPod or bring your own CDs. The party can be extended the backyard, canopied with pecan trees and Spanish moss. You just select a party theme and puppet show from Puppet People’s family-friendly parties section.

An on-site party includes a party host to tend to every need; an interactive studio; music, games and bouncing balls; puppet-making – each guest leaves with their own puppet; tableware.

Anyone who’s seen Puppet People at Savannah events knows these playful puppets deliver! Not surprisingly, Puppet People was named the 2009 Family Choice Award for Best Children’s Birthday Party by Coastal Family Magazine.

Sometimes it pays to go with the professionals.

The Puppet People Party Place is at 3119 Furber Ave. Book your party by calling 912.355.3366 or email puppets@puppetpeople.com. Click here for more info.

As part of Community Appreciation Days at The Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum, Chatham, Jasper, Beaufort and Bryan County residents will receive half off of their admission rate this week (Nov. 22-29 2009)

The Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum in Pooler is launching a new initiative to encourage local citizens to take advantage of what’s right here at home. The museum has dedicated November as Community Appreciation Month to the Coastal Empire and Lowcountry, and has reduced its regular admission rate of $10 for adults and $6 for kids to only $5 for adults and $3 for kids.

In addition to the reduced rate, guests will also receive a 10 percent discount in the Gift Store. Now is the perfect time to visit the museum and see the new B-17.

The Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum is just minutes from downtown Savannah in Pooler at 175 Bourne Ave. off I-95, exit 102. For more info, click here or call 912.748.8888.

A slew of open houses at schools happening this season. If you are looking into schools for the 2010-2011 school year, below are a few open houses to check out. If you’d like to have a school included in this list, please email the info to anne@southernmamas.com:

Open houses at Savannah Christian Preparatory School
10 AM Thurs. Dec. 3 at the Lower School (preK-5th), Chatham
Parkway Campus, 1599 Chatham Parkway
10 AM Wed. Dec. 2 at The Lower School (K-5th) at DeRenne Avenue Campus,
2415 E. DeRenne Ave.
912.234.1653 ext 106

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in cooperation with Stork Craft Manufacturing Inc. today announced the largest crib recall in United States history, involving cribs with dropdown sides, fearing they may be unsafe, even deadly.

The voluntary recall of more than 2.1 million Stork Craft drop-side cribs includes about 147,000 Stork Craft drop-side cribs with the Fisher-Price logo. The recall involves approximately 1,213,000 units distributed in the United States.

CPSC urges parents and caregivers to immediately stop using the recalled cribs, wait for the free repair kit, and do not attempt to fix the cribs without the kit. They should find an alternative, safe sleeping environment for their baby. Consumers should contact Stork Craft to receive a free repair kit that converts the drop-side on these cribs to a fixed side.

Problems with the crib can cause the drop-side to detach in one or more corners. When the drop-side detaches, it creates space between the drop-side and the crib mattress. The bodies of infants and toddlers can become entrapped in the space which can lead to suffocation. Complete detachment of drop-sides can lead to falls from the crib.

Read more here.

This recall involves Stork Craft drop-side cribs and Stork Craft drop-side cribs with the Fisher-Price logo. This recall does not involve any cribs that do not have a drop-side. This recall does not involve any cribs with metal rod drop-side hardware. It involves only those cribs with plastic trigger and one-hand-system drop-side hardware.

Contact Stork Craft toll-free at (877) 274-0277 anytime to order the free repair kit, click here.

On Saturdays Dec. 5 and Dec. 12, drop by Just for Baby & More to visit Santa and have your pictures made and learn everything on your little ones’ wish lists

Avoid the long lines and chaos at the malls and take advantage of the convenient parking and complimentary gift wrapping at the locally-owned children’s store at 7701 Waters Ave.

All Santa picture proceeds will go to Saint Mary’s Children’s Home, a Savannah home that provides a loving and nurturing environment for children who cannot currently reside with their families

The $20 donation includes visit with Santa; two 5×7 Prints; treat for your child; 15 percent coupon at Just for Baby & More, a sponsor of SouthernMamas.

For an additional $10, a CD with images can be purchased. Contact Casey@justforbaby.net with any questions about visiting with Santa.

For more children’s holiday activities, visit the SouthernMamas Ultimate Holiday Guide here.

This Thanksgiving week, a SouthernMamas reader will win a new book from Random House/Clarkson Potter, entitled “WHAT I KNOW: Uncommon Wisdom and Universal Truths from 10-year-olds and 100-year-olds.”

The autographed hardcover is a collection of life insights from opposite ends of the life spectrum, compiled as the author traveled all across the country to meet and interview centenarians and children alike.

Among those centenarians featured are Savannah’s own centenarians, Eloise Rogers and Lois Fisher, whom I spotlighted in my Savannah Morning News Sunday column shortly before their 100th birthday in 2008. Last year, things took a turn for the sisters. Fisher fell ill and Rogers moved to Greenville, S.C., at the urging of her daughter. On July 27, 2009, Fisher died at the age of 101.

Twins Eloise and Lois were among dozens of 10-year-old youths and 100-year-old sages interviewed by author Roger Emerson Fishman of Los Angeles. The book consists of short quotes and profiles of people from around the nation.

Check out the rules below to enter to win:

This book would make a lovely holiday present. It highlights unique perspectives on life and the stories behind them.

Check out the book Web site here and watch the video trailer on the book’s home page to get a sense for the tone and content of the book.

A couple of savvy readers emailed us about the free Santa’s Wonderland 2009 at the Bass Pro Shop at the Savannah Mall

Now through Dec. 24, children can have a FREE photo with Santa, enjoy holiday decorations, a model train and remote-control cars, games, and, on weekends through Dec. 20, participate in free holiday crafts. Click here for more info. PLEASE NOTE: SANTA ISN’T THERE UNTIL 5 PM ON WEEKDAYS, but the free activities are still available – just no Santa photos until 5 PM weekdays.

Thanks to readers for the great suggestion and keep those tips coming.

For more children’s holiday activities, visit the SouthernMamas Ultimate Holiday Guide here.

Creating a sensible budget is one of the hardest parts of family financial planning. Trying to spend less is difficult for those already on a tight budget; learning to spend smarter takes some time and focus, but can save you money.

Financial advisor Marsha Woelber, a Partner at Independent Investment Services, LLC/Securities Offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC, shares an easy trick of smart spending: the use of Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs). Check out her guest article below. She can be reached @ marsha@iissav.com or 912-650-2852.

One easy trick of smart spending is the use of Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs). Check with your (or your spouse’s) employer to see if this benefit is available to you.

An FSA allows an employee to set aside a portion of earnings before taxes to pay for certain medical or child care expenses. Money in a FSA avoids income tax and the 7.65% Social Security tax. If you are in the 15% tax bracket, you could avoid paying over 22% in taxes on that money, easily adding extra cash to your budget (Not sure of your tax bracket? Google “tax bracket” and see where you fit). There are two types of FSAs: Medical Expense and Dependent Care.

Medical expense FSAs cover health expenses not paid for by insurance. Each program varies, but allowable expenses include medical copayments and items such as contact lenses, birth control pills, many OTC drugs, and even band aids. Your employer sets the maximum amount of money you may set aside. You choose to have this money taken out of your paycheck (tax-free) and then use it to pay your bills.

To read the rest of this article, click here.

Emily Moody!

Emily wins a page-a-day pre-k readiness skills calendar that focuses on the parent’s needs FIRST. The Ready To Learn Calendar was developed to equip the caregiver/parent with a way to impart needed skills to their child during normal household routine (laundry, household chores, fixing dinner, or going to the grocery store.)

Each calendar gives the parent 2 or 3 simple daily exercises (10-15 minute total) for pre-k readiness. readytolearncalendar@gmail.com”

To order, call 865-429-2627 or email  readytolearncalendar@gmail.com. The calendar is sold as a wholesale item at $5.00/calendar and there is a minimum order of 64. The shipping runs from $.50 to $1.00 per calendar. Orders can be taken to assure that calendars are presold. For more info, click here.

 My son’s 3rd birthday party at Bouncing Angels was a cinch. The Savannah indoor play place at Victory Drive and Skidaway Road made it so easy.

 Birthday packages include as much jump time as the kids can handle; pizza, juice boxes, paper plates, napkins and more. You bring the cake, cupcakes, etc.

The play & party entertainment center @ the Victory Drive Shopping Center, 2123 E. Victory Drive is undergoing a lot of improvements.

Birthdays will soon include thrones for the birthday boy or girl; as well as a personalized “Happy Birthday” banner with the child’s name.  Birthday guests receive unlimited jump time – so they can bounce off all that birthday cake.

Bouncing Angels hours:
10 AM-8 PM Mon-Thurs.  
10 AM- 9 PM Fri.- Sat.
noon-8 PM   Sun.

Check out their Web site here. For more info. call: 912.691.8797.

If you’re planning to host a birthday party there, ask about the free party deal: after 15 paid admissions of $16 each, you earn a free birthday party with up to 16 kids (a $259 value).

Can’t think of what to get your mom, sister, friend or co-worker for the holidays?

Give the gift that everyone loves: a giftcard to The Melting Pot, a sponsor of SouthernMamas.  The Melting Pot also has great stocking stuffers!  Ask about their bars of chocolate, salad dressing and garlic and wine seasoning.  Call ahead or stop by today to pick up these gifts.

If you are out shopping downtown the day after Thanksgiving,  The Melting Pot on Broughton Street will open at noon to sell these items. Call 912.349.5676

The opening of the Gingerbread Village @ Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa has been delayed until Nov. 26

The Gingerbread Village and toy train were supposed to open Fri. Nov. 20, but has been postponed. Call 912.201.2000 before making a trip to the Westin to check on the status of the display.

Thanks to reader Monica Patel for providing this information!

For more children’s holiday activities, visit the SouthernMamas Ultimate Holiday Guide here.

The Savannah Holiday tree arrives Thurs. Nov. 19 in downtown Savannah.

The giant community tree will be moved just off Ellis Square for the first time, after spending previous holidays on the waterfront and in Forsyth Park.

The tree is just one part of a Downtown Savannah holiday lineup. Broughton Street will decorated beginning 10 AM Sat. Nov. 21.

On Nov. 27 and 28, Broughton will be transformed into a winter wonderland for Savannah Holly Days, sponsored by the Savannah Convention and Visitors Bureau, which will include ice-skating, music, a wine-tasting and real snow.

Parking meters are FREE all day long every Thursday-Sunday from Thanksgiving through Christmas.

For more info on Savannah Holly Days, click here.

For more children’s holiday activities, visit the SouthernMamas Ultimate Holiday Guide here.

The Chatham County Health Department is now able to offer the 2009 H1N1 vaccine to all five target groups outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Those groups are:

• 1. Pregnant women because they are at higher risk of complications and can potentially provide protection to infants who cannot be vaccinated;

2. Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age because younger infants are at higher risk of influenza-related complications and cannot be vaccinated. Vaccination of those in close contact with infants younger than 6 months old might help protect infants by “cocooning” them from the virus;

1. 3. Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel because infections among healthcare workers have been reported and this can be a potential source of infection for vulnerable patients. Also, increased absenteeism in this population could reduce healthcare system capacity;

4. All people from 6 months through 24 years of age
o Children from 6 months through 18 years of age because cases of 2009 H1N1 influenza have been seen in children who are in close contact with each other in school and day care settings, which increases the likelihood of disease spread, and
o Young adults 19 through 24 years of age because many cases of 2009 H1N1 influenza have been seen in these healthy young adults and they often live, work, and study in close proximity, and they are a frequently mobile population; and,

5. Persons aged 25 through 64 years who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza.

The vaccine is given on a first come, first served basis, 8 AM- 5 PM, Mon.-Fri. The Chatham County Health Department has two locations: 1395 Eisenhower Drive and 1602 Drayton St.

The Children’s Ballet Theater of the Academy of Dance is performing The Nutcracker at the Trustees Theater at 6:30 PM Sat., Dec. 5 at and 3 PM Sun. Dec. 6.

The ticket prices are $28 for adults, $18 for children and $13 for groups of 10 or more all general admission.

You can buy tickets through the SCAD website or at the door on the day of the performance. (912) 525-5050.

For more children’s holiday activities, visit the SouthernMamas Ultimate Holiday Guide here.

Santa wants to check in with your child this holiday season via the phone.

The Island Recreation Association on Hilton Head Island has arranged for the big, busy man in red to be available to call your child from the North Pole between 5-8 pm Mon. Dec. 14 or Tues. Dec. 15. Santa can call anywhere in the area, including Savannah and beyond, for a $5 North Pole connection fee.

You must register by noon Mon. Dec. 7. Call 843.681.7273 or email info@islandreccenter.org. For more info., click here.

For more children’s holiday activities, visit the SouthernMamas Ultimate Holiday Guide here.

Today Georgia received an “F” for its premature birth rate.

The March of Dimes issued that grade Tuesday in its Premature Birth Report Card, which grades each state’s rate of preterm birth compared to the nation’s objective of a 7.6 percent or less preterm birth rate by 2010. Georgia’s preterm birth rate was 13.6 percent.

The March of Dimes report card assesses states’ progress toward improving access to health care coverage for women of childbearing age, helping women quit smoking during pregnancy, and to preventing medically unnecessary c-sections prior to 39 weeks of pregnancy – three criteria that can reduce preterm birth rates.

One in eight babies are born prematurely in the U.S. and in Georgia 400 babies are born too early each week. Babies who survive a premature birth face the risk of serious life-long health problems including learning disabilities, cerebral palsy, blindness, hearing loss, and other chronic conditions including asthma.

Read more here.