Minimum age for easel?

[94bruin]

My daughter is 17 mos and I'm considering buying her an easel for Christmas (specifically the Toys R Us - Imaginarium one, which I think is the same as Melissa & Doug.)

However, it seems like the age recommendations for easels are for older kids. Is there anything I need to be concerned about (other than the need for height adjustability?)

Thanks.

[sdbc]

We got the M&D easel at the same age for DD and she loved and still loves it. They are legally obligated to give a 3 year age limit since there are small parts that could be removed that are chokable if taken apart.

If your DD doesn't mouth things and if she will use it supervised, then I think it's great at that age.

[94bruin]

Thanks for the reply. I definitely will supervise her whenever she is at the easel. However, the age recommendation for the easel says 4 years old. Just wondering why.

[brittone2]

DS started using his for short periods of time around 16 months of age. It is a Little Tykes (or is it step 2?) plastic one.

[sdbc]

Hm. No idea. DD started using hers regularly right when we bought it at 18 months. Anything other than the "3 year" recommendation is just a guess at when most kids will be developmentally ready.

[dules]

We had DD evaluated for Early Intervention at just over 2 and one of the motor skills exercises the specialists recommended was easel drawing/painting/scribbling etc.

I don't know why it would be recommended for older kids, unless it's too high to reach.

Mary