60 pages • 2 hours read
Emily OsterCribsheet: A Data-Driven Guide to Better, More Relaxed Parenting, from Birth to Preschool
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2019A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Index of Terms
Hygiene Hypothesis
The term “Hygiene Hypothesis” refers to a theory that the increase in allergies and autoimmune illnesses is linked to reduced germ exposure in childhood. Oster explains this hypothesis by suggesting that exposing children to more microbes and germs during their early years helps their immune system properly identify and respond to pathogens without overreacting. The book presents the idea that avoiding excessive cleanliness, especially in the form of hand sanitizers and other hygiene practices, might be beneficial for a child’s immune development. While conclusive proof for the hygiene hypothesis is lacking, Oster notes evidence from laboratory studies and cross-cultural comparisons that suggests a potential benefit to allowing controlled germ exposure. The concept becomes particularly relevant as children age beyond infancy, with Oster advising a balanced approach where excessive germ protection may not be beneficial. The book implies that a certain level of germ exposure could contribute to a healthier immune system in children as they grow.
Mommy Wars
The term “Mommy Wars” encapsulates the intense and often polarized debates surrounding various parenting choices. It represents the collective societal and interpersonal struggles that parents, particularly mothers, face when navigating these choices. The term reflects the heightened emotions, judgment, and societal expectations that accompany decisions perceived to significantly impact the well-being of young children. The key concept of the “Mommy Wars” lies in the battleground of parenting choices, where individuals find themselves drawn into debates and judgments regarding decisions that are deeply personal. These wars are not confined to a single aspect of parenting but encompass a range of topics, as highlighted in the passage—breastfeeding, sleep practices, vaccinations, and the working versus stay-at-home dynamic. The battles are marked by all-or-nothing thinking, where individuals may feel compelled to take extreme positions on these choices.
Marriage Checkup
The concept “marriage checkup” is presented as a potential solution for couples facing challenges in their relationship, especially in the context of parenthood. The key concept of the “marriage checkup” is a systematic and methodical evaluation of the marital relationship. Couples are encouraged to share their thoughts and feelings about the dynamics of their marriage, addressing both positive and challenging aspects. The discussion may cover topics such as communication, shared responsibilities, emotional connection, and overall satisfaction. The aim is to create a space for constructive dialogue, allowing partners to express their needs and concerns while actively working toward enhancing their relationship.
Nipple Confusion
The term “nipple confusion” refers to a common concern among parents, especially those considering breastfeeding. The concept revolves around the idea that introducing artificial nipples, such as those on bottles or pacifiers, might lead to confusion for infants, making them reluctant to latch onto the breast for breastfeeding. The fear is that babies might struggle to differentiate between the different sucking mechanisms of artificial nipples and the breast, potentially causing difficulties in breastfeeding. Despite widespread warnings about the potential negative impact of pacifiers on breastfeeding success, Oster presents evidence from randomized trials, including those starting infants on pacifiers at birth, to debunk the myth of pacifiers causing nipple confusion. The data indicates that pacifier use does not significantly affect breastfeeding rates, challenging the conventional wisdom surrounding this issue.
Pump and Dump
The concept revolves around the idea that if a breastfeeding mother consumes alcohol, she should pump her breast milk and then discard (dump) it before resuming breastfeeding. This advice is based on the belief that pumping and discarding breast milk would eliminate any alcohol present in the milk, preventing the infant from being exposed to alcohol during breastfeeding. Oster critically evaluates and challenges the validity of this practice. She explains that when a breastfeeding mother consumes alcohol, the alcohol level in her breast milk is approximately the same as her blood alcohol level. However, the exposure of the baby to alcohol through breast milk is very low, even in a worst-case scenario where the mother rapidly consumes four drinks. Oster argues that there is no need for the “pump and dump” practice because the alcohol concentration in breast milk decreases as the mother’s blood alcohol level decreases. The alcohol is not stored in the milk, and the infant’s exposure is minimal and unlikely to have negative effects.
