What gross motor skill should a toddler have by 15-18 months?

By 15-18 months, a toddler typically achieves the gross motor milestone of walking independently. At this stage of development, many children have progressed from cruising along furniture to taking their first unassisted steps. Walking independently is a critical milestone that signifies a child's increasing strength, balance, and coordination. It allows for greater exploration of their environment and enhances their overall motor development.

In contrast, running, jumping, and dancing are skills that usually develop later. Running generally begins to emerge around 2 years of age, while jumping typically follows a bit later as children gain more control over their movements. Dancing may develop around the same time but involves coordination and rhythm that are usually not fully refined until children have more experience with walking and running. Therefore, walking independently is the milestone expected to be achieved by most toddlers within the 15-18 month age range.