I think the Nick Jr channel people are extremely crafty! This is where my daughter watches most of her shows and during the half break I would bet my bottom dollar that this silly doll pops up at some point. My daughter then makes a point of shouting "mummy I want that one!" whenever it comes on, and as a treat, hey ho dad decided to buy it for her one evening after work. Mummy was not impressed!

The doll is pretty much a replica of a baby (as most dolls are!) but this one makes burping noises, sucking sounds when a bottle is inserted in the mouth, laughing and a deep breathing sound when she sleeps. Honestly, it's like re-winding to 3 years ago and starting all over again lol! I must say the simulation noises are pretty good though, my daughter loves it no end, and it keeps her entertained as she loves role play and thrives on switching into mummy mode and looking after her new baby lol.

The baby doll also has voice recognition, which I tried to do with my daughter but she just doesn't respond! If you speak, the doll is meant to turn her head but we find her just turning randomly! My daughter doesn't notice this too much at 3 years old, she is just happy to have someone to play with (being an only child lol). Baby also cries real tears which makes a good realistic baby doll as let's face it, that's what they do most often! Fortunately the doll is not too loud so shoving her under a blanket, her noise can be blocked out, but of course the easy option is just the off button lol.

Visually, the doll is good quality, with bright blue eyes that open and close, and arms and legs that move about easily. The arms are plastic and a bit rigid, but the torso is squishy, making the doll quite warm and soft to snuggle up to. Zapf know how to get some money out of us parents so Annabel can be customised with buying clothes, pram, bag etc to go with new found motherhood, but on the zapf website these aren't cheap so we are sticking with what she came with thanks!

The doll requires four AA batteries, and to insert them the battery compartment is at the back of the doll. It requires a screwdriver to open it, which I think is good making it child safe and no trouble can arise! It's pretty straightforward to do, and the batteries seem to last reasonably well as we have had this doll over a month or so and she has been playing with it everyday!

Ananabell comes in different varieties such as ethnic, and smaller versions so I really think there is a doll for everyone. I think naughty daddy paid around £40 for this which I think is rather a lot for a doll, but a) I didn't pay for it, b) it has some good special effects and c) it makes my daughter really happy so it's totally worth it. Can't really think of any negatives so gotta give this doll 5 out of 5!