Cicciobello (Rumbly Tummy doll) - A review

To be honest, my girls don't play with dolls very much at all at the moment - although, like most young children they are massive fans of toilet humour. So when asked if LIFE AS IT IS would review the farting friend that is Cicciobello, naturally curious, I couldn't resist.

DETAILS
Cicciobello doll
Includes doll, interactive spoon, interactive orange juice box, customised potty, 2 wipes and a dummy
Size: H45cms
Ages suitable for: 3 years +
Available from: Argos, Toys R Us & Smyths
Price: £49.99
Batteries required: 3xAA

WARNING(S): Not suitable for children under 3 years old. Only for domestic use.

Ah, they don't make them like they used to. I mean. Seriously. Never in my childhood was there a doll that had such tummy trouble. Meet Cicciobello, aka the Rumbly Tummy doll. 

We first met Cicciobello in our local supermarket where we had gone on a quest to find batteries for him. The lovely shop assistant had gone above and beyond fetching a screwdriver and then inserting the batteries there and then. The result: an ecstatic Sofia Faith (cheeky 4YO) and two slightly embarrassed women. (Plus a whole shop of amused onlookers). Cicciobello clearly has a tummy ache; he cries until he passes wind, and then he giggles. Unfortunately, when he cries he sounds like he's hyperventilating his way through sex (having undergone a sex change). 

He is definitely a boy though, not a girl. I know this for Sofia gleefully delivered the news to me immediately she noticed. My mum was up for the day, and even she was moved to say she had never before seen a doll with a willy - proving once again they don't make them like they used to. Life like indeed. (Oh and thanks for that Mum).

Sofia Faith has mothered Cicciobello in a gentle and nurturing way. To be honest, it would be hard for a little one not to, for this doll commands attention. Different coloured interactive led lights glow around his mouth when he has eaten from his spoon, and drunk from his juice box. His tummy glows and needs a rub when he has belly ache, and low and behold his bottom lights when he has done a poo (there is a potty provided). Each light can be rubbed clean away - or in the case of the tummy, gently massaged away. Cicciobello talks and has over 40 sentences and sounds. And yes, he does make a noise to let you know he has pushed his poo out.

LIFE AS IT IS BLOG - THE VERDICT
The interactive lights mean it really is all the fun of looking after a baby with no mess. Sofia can totally interact with Cicciobello in full role-play mode. The fact that he can be potty trained in play is useful if you are at that stage with your own child, and likewise if you have a new baby in the house, this doll would be a wonderful aid for an older sibling. Especially if your new baby has reflux or wind issues! On a last note, Esme Grace (my animated 7YO) and her friends, have shown a real interest in Cicciobello, playing beautifully and also enjoying the interaction that the doll provides.

Emma Oliver and the GraceFaith girls received a Cicciobello doll in exchange for a review on the parenting/lifestyle blog LIFE AS IT IS.

For DISCLOSURE & DISCLAIMER, please view my page on LEGAL STUFF