The right cello for each age

The “viola-cello” from 4 to 5 years old.
A size 42-43 viola is used.
A spike is applied to a piece of wood added to the bottom of the viola.
The viola-cello is an octave above the cello. It is easier to produce a sound on the viola, so it is better for a child of 4-5 to play. Another advantage is that the strings are easy to press down.
In alternative to the “viola-cello”, there are today good little cellos (1/8 and 1/4), that simulate very well the real cello, and they play at the its same octave.

The cello

1/8 from 5 to 6 years old (with a violin bow)
1⁄4 from 6 to 8 years old (with a cello bow with a low frog)
1⁄2 from 8 to 10 years old
3⁄4 from 10 to 12 years old
4/4 over 13 years old.