What gross motor milestone is observed at 18 months of age?

At 18 months of age, the typical gross motor milestone observed is the ability for a child to stoop and recover. This skill demonstrates not only balance and coordination but also the child’s increasing strength and confidence in their mobility. By this age, most children have developed the ability to walk independently, and stooping and recovering is a crucial skill that showcases their developing coordination and agility.

While pulling to stand and walking are important milestones, they usually occur earlier in development. Pulling to stand typically develops around 9 to 12 months, and independent walking is usually established by about 12 months. Jumping on two feet, on the other hand, generally emerges much later, around age 2 or beyond. Thus, stooping and recovering at 18 months is distinctly aligned with the expected gross motor development for that age, highlighting the child's growing physical abilities.