What skill should an 18-month-old toddler be able to perform according to developmental milestones?

At 18 months old, a toddler is typically developing their gross motor skills, which include larger movements such as throwing a ball. By this age, many children can throw a ball overhead, showcasing their improved coordination and strength. This skill is part of their progression towards more complex motor activities.

In contrast, buttoning a shirt is a fine motor skill that emerges later in development, around ages 3 to 4. Hopping on one foot generally develops around age 3, as balance and coordination continue to improve. Jumping in place, while achievable by some children close to age 2, is also more commonly seen in slightly older toddlers. Therefore, the ability to throw a ball overhead is a key milestone that aligns with the expected gross motor development of an 18-month-old, showing their increasing physical abilities and engagement in active play.