Do not even consider purchasing a cheap imitator. The Miracle Blanket is the real deal.

Baby Diva earned her name between approximately weeks three through ten, during which time she did the colic thing. The kiddo would refuse to sleep anywhere but in my arms--and I had to be perpetually moving. As soon as I would stop rocking and walking, let alone attempt to put her down, the crying would start. Add to that a heart condition (now fixed--thank goodness), which required me to keep her calm, and I needed help!

A study by the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis supports the idea that babies sleep better when swaddled. Swaddling is one of Dr. Karp's Tips in The Happiest Baby on the Block: The New Way to Calm Crying and Help Your Baby Sleep Longer. Most cultures swaddle their babies up to six months and some even use the technique longer. Swaddling also helps prevents babies from rolling onto their tummies, and the AAP recommends babies sleep on their backs to aid in the prevention of SIDS.

Those cute little receiving blankets only held my big, active baby for a couple of weeks. Then I tried a succession of gimmicky blankets with various wings and Velcro patches. Those gave me another week before the Diva managed to pull a Houdini.

Just when I was about to tear out my hair and beg my mom to come back and live with me for another month or two, I found the Miracle Blanket.

These kind folks have perfected the swaddling blanket. The Miracle Blanket is just the right length for swaddling babies from birth up to at least six months. Celebrities have caught on, too: "People like Heath Ledger, Michelle Williams, Rachel Weisz, and Seattle Mariner J.J. Putz say it's all about 'the blanket.'"

The manufacturer is top notch as well. They have excellent customer service and they support our troops through Operation Special Delivery.

The Miracle Blanket is a life saver (literally in my case) and I cannot say enough good things about this product and the company that makes it. If you are not a parent yet, you may think $30.90 seems pricey for a blanket, but just ask the parents of any newborn how much they would pay for a few extra hours of sleep. Trust Mama Luxe and do not waste a dime on the other swaddling blankets.

Currently on sale at Amazon.com for $30.90 and BabyCenter Store for $29.95 and worth every penny.

At Amazon.com, the blanket comes in a wide array of colors, including the traditional Periwinkle Blue and Pink, Sage, Miracle Blanket - Lavender with Beige Trim (Baby Diva's Signature Color), and also Undyed Natural for those who wish to avoid dyes.