From the author of Expecting Better, The Family Firm , and The Unexpected an economist's guide to the early years of parenting. “Both refreshing and useful. With so many parenting theories driving us all a bit batty, this is the type of book that we need to help calm things down.” — LA Times “The book is jampacked with information, but it’s also a delightful read because Oster is such a good writer.” — NPR With Expecting Better , award-winning economist Emily Oster spotted a need in the pregnancy market for advice that gave women the information they needed to make the best decision for their own pregnancies.

By digging into the data, Oster found that much of the conventional pregnancy wisdom was wrong. In Cribsheet , she now tackles an even greater challenge: decision-making in the early years of parenting. As any new parent knows, there is an abundance of often-conflicting advice hurled at you from doctors, family, friends, and strangers on the internet.

From the earliest days, parents get the message that they must make certain choices around feeding, sleep, and schedule or all will be lost. There's a rule—or three—for everything. But the benefits of these choices can be overstated, and the trade-offs can be profound.

How do you make your own best decision? Armed with the data, Oster finds that the conventional wisdom doesn't always hold up. She debunks myths around breastfeeding (not a panacea), sleep training (not so bad!), potty training (wait until they're ready or possibly bribe with M&Ms), language acquisition (early talkers aren't necessarily geniuses), and many other topics.

She also shows parents how to think through freighted questions like if and how to go back to work, how to think about toddler discipline, and how to have a relationship and parent at the same time. Economics is the science of decision-making, and Cribsheet is a thinking parent's guide to the chaos and frequent misinformation of the early years. Emily Oster is a trained expert—and mom of two—who can empower us to make better, less fraught decisions—and stay sane in the years before preschool.

Cribsheet offers parents a refreshingly analytical approach to raising children from birth to preschool. Authored by Emily Oster, a renowned economist and mother, this book dismantles common parenting myths and provides evidence-based strategies for nurturing confident and healthy kids. By combining personal anecdotes with extensive research, Oster delves into critical parenting topics with a balanced perspective, empowering parents to make informed decisions.

Parenting advice is more reliable when it's based on real data and research rather than opinions. Understanding the science behind early childhood development helps parents make confident informed decisions. Emphasizing critical thinking Cribsheet equips parents to navigate parenting choices with ease.

Cribsheet is a mind-opening guide that transforms the emotional often overwhelming journey of early parenting into a manageable and enriching experience. Through a wealth of data analysis Emily Oster tackles pressing questions about sleep nutrition and developmental milestones debunking myths and presenting parents with actionable insights. Expect to explore topics like breastfeeding sleep training and discipline with clarity and precision.

Oster's reliance on research breaks down overwhelming information emphasizing the importance of customized parenting tailored to each child's unique needs and familial values. The book is structured around key developmental stages ensuring parents understand both the small everyday decisions and the larger strategies pivotal for nurturing their child's growth. With a lighthearted tone and practical advice Cribsheet doesn't dictate the best way to parent but instead empowers you to embrace choices aligned with your family's priorities.

Oster invites you to trust evidence over opinions as you cultivate a relaxed and informed parenting journey.

Cribsheet's foundation in data-driven analysis sets it apart offering parents an evidence-based alternative to traditional parenting books Emily Oster's expertise in economics lends a unique perspective on child-rearing ensuring parents evaluate decisions through an analytical lens. Oster's engaging narrative blends personal significance with academic rigor making complex research digestible and relatable This approach demystifies controversial topics helping parents feel reassured and prepared. The book thrives on promoting flexibility in parenting rejecting a one-size-fits-all approach and instead advocating for customizing choices to align with each family's values This personalized strategy helps demystify parenting and alleviates stress.