Cribsheet: A Data-Driven Guide to Better, More Relaxed Parenting, from Birth to Preschool (The ParentData Series)

From the author of Expecting Better and The Family Firm, an economist's guide to navigating the early years of parenting.

"In a sea of parenting theories, this book is a calming force that delivers both practicality and refreshment." - LA Times

"Jam-packed with information, yet a delightful read thanks to Oster's excellent writing." - NPR

After her success with Expecting Better, where award-winning economist Emily Oster provided women with the information needed to make informed choices during pregnancy, she now takes on an even greater challenge in Cribsheet: decision-making during the early years of parenting.

New parents are bombarded with a multitude of advice from doctors, family, friends, and the endless expanse of the internet. From the very beginning, they are compelled to make certain choices regarding feeding, sleep, schedules, and more, with the fear that any misstep could lead to disastrous consequences. Rules abound, sometimes contradicting themselves. But are these choices truly critical, or has their importance been exaggerated? How can parents make the best decisions for their own families?

Equipped with data, Oster challenges the prevailing wisdom and exposes its fallacies. She debunks myths surrounding breastfeeding (it's not a cure-all), sleep training (not as terrible as it may seem!), potty training (waiting until readiness or possibly using M&Ms as incentive), language acquisition (early talkers aren't necessarily geniuses), and various other topics. Furthermore, Oster guides parents in navigating weighty considerations such as the decision to return to work, the approach to toddler discipline, and maintaining a healthy relationship while fulfilling parental duties.

As the science of decision-making, economics serves as the foundation of Cribsheet. This book serves as a valuable resource for mindful parents, allowing them to navigate the chaos and filter through the prevalent misinformation that plagues the early years of parenting. Emily Oster, esteemed economist and mother of two, empowers readers to make better-informed decisions that are less burdensome and ensures their sanity prevails during the years prior to preschool.