Cribsheet: A Data-Driven Guide to Better, More Relaxed Parenting, from Birth to Preschool

Cribsheet: A Data-Driven Guide to Parenting Decisions

In Cribsheet, award-winning economist Emily Oster tackles the challenging world of early parenting decisions. Following the success of *Expecting Better*, Emily Oster shifts her focus to early parenting. In that book, she debunked common pregnancy advice. Now, she tackles the first few years of a child’s life. Parents often face overwhelming and conflicting advice. This leaves them confused about making the best choices for their children.

Challenging Conventional Wisdom

New parents face advice on everything from feeding and sleep to potty training and discipline. This advice comes from doctors, family, and the internet. Many recommendations come with strict rules. Parents feel pressure to make the “right” decision. They often worry that one wrong choice could ruin everything. However, Oster reveals that the benefits of many parenting choices are often overstated.

Debunking Parenting Myths

Using data, Oster breaks down common myths about breastfeeding, sleep training, and language development. She emphasizes that breastfeeding isn’t always the cure-all it’s made out to be, and sleep training isn’t as damaging as many fear. Potty training? It can wait, and maybe even involve some bribery!

Empowering Parents with Data

Oster goes beyond just debunking myths. She offers advice on how to approach bigger decisions, such as when to return to work and how to balance parenting with maintaining a relationship. Her goal is to provide parents with the tools to make informed, confident choices that work best for their family.

A Science-Based Approach

By applying economics—the science of decision-making—Oster gives parents a clear, data-driven guide to navigating the early years of parenting. With her help, parents can make less stressful decisions and maintain their sanity.