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

A professor of Economics at Brown University, Oster specializes in health economics and statistical methods. Her research primarily focuses on understanding why individuals often deviate from making “rational” health choices. Transitioning from the academic sphere to parenting literature, Oster’s expertise in Cribsheet is underscored by her commitment to applying rigorous analytical methods to the often overwhelming and contradictory advice surrounding pregnancy and parenting.

Oster gained widespread recognition with the 2013 publication of her book Expecting Better: Why the Conventional Pregnancy Wisdom Is Wrong—and What You Really Need to Know. In this book, she critically examines common pregnancy advice, scrutinizing the scientific evidence behind recommendations concerning alcohol consumption, caffeine intake, and other aspects of prenatal care. Oster’s approach is grounded in her training as an economist, and she advocates for a more evidence-based decision-making process during pregnancy.

Building on the foundation laid by Expecting Better, Oster extends this approach to “Cribsheet,” a book specifically written for new parents struggling with crucial decisions related to early childhood. Through the lens of statistical analysis, Oster tackles critical decisions faced by parents, ranging from breastfeeding practices to co-sleeping and potty training. Her commitment to evidence-based decision-making becomes evident as she provides clarity and rationality to choices often clouded by myths and conflicting advice.

Oster draws on her background in health economics and statistical methods to push against the myths and moralizing that often accompany parenting decisions for infants and young children. Her role is not that of a prescriptive guide but rather a facilitator of informed decision-making. Through meticulous examination of the available evidence, she encourages parents to make choices aligned with their values and circumstances.

Writing for a general audience, Oster seeks to break down intricate data into simple and understandable insights, offering practical advice that promotes a sense of agency among parents. Her work becomes a bridge between the theoretical groundings based on research and the everyday challenges faced by parents as she transforms the data into a tool for better decision-making.

Oster’s work has been both praised and criticized. While some applaud her for challenging traditional parenting norms and promoting a data-driven approach, others argue that her emphasis on individual choice may not adequately consider societal and cultural factors. Regardless, Oster’s contributions have sparked important conversations about evidence-based decision-making in parenting and have encouraged a more critical examination of the scientific evidence behind common advice given to expectant and new parents.

Beyond the confines of this book, Oster’s influence in parenting echoes through her creation of ParentData.org. This initiative extends her impact beyond the pages of her books, and helps her establish an ongoing conversation with parents. ParentData.org is a platform where Oster continues to share insights, engage with current topics in parenting, and offer a steady stream of data-driven perspectives. This multifaceted approach seeks to promote an ongoing dialogue that aligns with the evolving challenges of parenthood.