If you’re a fan of Bluey, you’ve likely found yourself teary-eyed during the episode Baby Race. In this heartfelt story, Chilli, Bluey’s mum, reflects on the early parenting days and the pressure of the “baby race.” It’s a phenomenon many parents know all too well: the constant comparisons of milestones like crawling, walking, and talking.

Will your baby be the first to crawl? The last to walk? Or perhaps they’ll confound everyone by crawling backward before moving forward. It’s all part of the delightful, sometimes stressful, journey of raising little humans.

What Is the Baby Race?

The “baby race” refers to the unspoken competition among parents to see whose child hits developmental milestones first. From the first roll to the first word, it’s easy to find yourself sizing up your baby against others—at playgroups, in online forums, or even just scrolling through social media.

In Baby Race, Chilli recalls feeling proud of her early-walking baby, only to feel deflated when others started crawling sooner or mastering skills her baby hadn’t yet attempted. This episode resonates because it perfectly captures the vulnerability and insecurity that can come with parenting in those early years.

Why Do We Compare?

Parenting is uncharted territory, especially with your first child. Without a clear manual, it’s natural to use other babies as benchmarks. Add in the endless advice from family, friends, and even strangers, and the pressure to “keep up” can feel overwhelming.

Milestones are often seen as a reflection of parenting success. If your child walks or talks early, you might feel validated. If they don’t, it’s easy to feel like you’re falling behind.

But the truth is, every baby develops at their own pace, and comparisons only serve to add unnecessary stress to an already challenging period.

The Reality of Development

Babies are unique, and there’s a wide range of “normal” when it comes to development. Some will walk at nine months, while others might wait until 15 months. Some will chatter away early, while others save their words for later but suddenly speak in full sentences.

Crawling, for example, isn’t even considered a developmental milestone by many pediatricians because some babies skip it entirely. The sequence—or lack thereof—doesn’t matter nearly as much as the fact that they’re progressing in their own way.

In the episode Baby Race, a wise friend reassures Chilli: “You’re doing great.” It’s a reminder every parent needs to hear. Your baby’s timeline isn’t a race, and you’re not failing if they’re taking their time.

The Hidden Joys of Going at Their Own Pace

When you stop focusing on the race, you begin to notice the unique way your baby approaches the world. Maybe they crawl backward before forward, or maybe they scoot along on their bottom, finding joy in their own quirky style.

By stepping back, you might realize that those “delays” aren’t delays at all—they’re just part of your baby’s journey. The moments when they finally master a skill, no matter when it happens, are just as magical.

Breaking Free from the Baby Race

1. Focus on the Big Picture – Development is a marathon, not a sprint. By the time your child is a preschooler, nobody will remember who walked first or said their first word at eight months instead of 12.

2. Celebrate Every Baby – Instead of comparing, celebrate the milestones of every child in your circle. Every achievement is a testament to the uniqueness of each little human.

3. Trust Your Instincts – If you’re genuinely concerned about your baby’s development, speak to a healthcare professional. Most of the time, though, your baby is likely right on track, even if their progress looks different from others.

4. Find Your Cheerleaders – Surround yourself with supportive friends and family who lift you up rather than fuel the competition. A kind word, like the one Chilli’s friend offers, can make all the difference.

The Takeaway

The “baby race” can feel all-consuming, but in the end, it’s not about who gets there first—it’s about enjoying the journey. As parents, we have the privilege of watching our children discover the world, each in their own way and in their own time.

Just like Chilli learns in Bluey, the best thing you can do is love and support your child exactly as they are. Because when it comes to parenting, you’re doing great. And as for your little one? They’ll get there—one scoot, crawl, or wobble at a time.