Cribsheet by Emily Oster cover

Cribsheet

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

by Emily Oster

4.6(6,223 ratings)
12 min read

Brief overview

This book offers a refreshing look at early parenting with a focus on real data and thoughtful analysis. By exploring topics like postpartum recovery, feeding decisions, and child development, readers can approach their choices with more confidence. It aims to help you balance expert recommendations with your own values and preferences.

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Introduction

Becoming a parent can be both thrilling and overwhelming, as new responsibilities surface from the moment your baby arrives. Many of the decisions that loom—whether about feeding, sleeping, or health—are influenced by a flood of advice, personal stories, and social pressures.

This book aims to cut through the noise by using clear, data-driven insights. Instead of giving you a single right answer, it provides the tools to make informed, tailored choices that suit your family’s needs and circumstances.

From postpartum recovery to toddler feeding habits, each chapter explores how to blend research findings with real-life logistics. The result is a calmer, more confident perspective on parenting.

Knowledge isn’t about rigid rules—it’s about empowering you to decide what works best for you and your child.

The Early Days at Home

Right after birth, a baby’s weight naturally fluctuates and parents might panic when they see those first few dips on the scale. In many cases, this is normal. Yet observing trends and conferring with medical professionals can be helpful in spotting dehydration or jaundice.

You also face unexpected challenges like postpartum bleeding, pain management, and heavy fatigue. It’s healthy to seek help from family, friends, or healthcare workers, especially if you experience intense mood swings or physical discomfort.

Nights can be chaotic—newborns may nurse often, and some parents feel pressure to track every feeding, nap, and diaper change. Data collection can ease the mind, but it’s equally acceptable to focus on bonding and let the schedule emerge gradually.

Accepting that you can only control so much in the newborn phase helps reduce stress and fuel more realistic expectations.

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What is Cribsheet about?

“Cribsheet: A Data-Driven Guide to Better, More Relaxed Parenting, from Birth to Preschool” by Emily Oster offers research-based clarity for modern parents. It uses economic principles and large-scale studies to cut through conflicting advice on feeding, sleep, and routine choices. From evaluating the risks and benefits of co-sleeping to understanding genuine versus inflated breastfeeding perks, the author breaks down studies into accessible insights.

What makes this book stand out is how it respects personal preference while anchoring choices in empirical data. Oster’s approach empowers parents to tailor decisions to their unique families without judgment. By translating statistics into practical steps, “Cribsheet” helps foster confidence in every stage, from the fourth trimester to the toddler years.

Review of Cribsheet

Emily Oster’s “Cribsheet” excels at guiding parents through early childhood with evidence-based insight. One standout strength is its science-first method, clarifying which research is robust and which might be skewed by confounding factors. The book also covers everyday challenges, such as managing sleep schedules and deciding on formula or breastfeeding, with balanced advice that blends practicality and nuance.

Readers will find the tone refreshingly flexible. Oster presents data without pushing strict rules, acknowledging how each family’s needs differ. This makes the book accessible to a wide audience, from first-time parents to those juggling multiple kids. If you want a thoughtful, approachable resource that grounds parenting decisions in real-world evidence, “Cribsheet” is a solid recommendation.

Who should read Cribsheet?

  • Parents who prefer a research-based approach to infant and toddler care
  • Working professionals seeking efficient, data-informed strategies for balancing family demands
  • Caregivers who feel overwhelmed by conflicting parenting tips and want clear, evidence-based guidance
  • Expectant mothers and fathers eager to understand the science behind early childhood decisions

About the author

Emily Oster, PhD, is a Professor of Economics at Brown University. She holds a PhD in Economics from Harvard University, which she received in 2006. With extensive experience in health economics and statistical methods, she has authored several books, including "Cribsheet," which provides a data-driven approach to parenting from birth to preschool. Her other notable works include "Expecting Better" and "The Family Firm," which also focus on data-driven decision-making in pregnancy and parenting.

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