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

Cribsheet is a parenting guide written by Emily Oster, an economist, who explores the challenges of parenting choices and provides evidence-based insights to empower parents. Released in 2019, Cribsheet challenges conventional wisdom surrounding topics such as breastfeeding, sleep training, and vaccinations, presenting readers with a refreshing perspective rooted in research.

With themes spanning The Value of Data in Parenting, Navigating Changing Guidelines, The Anxiety of Parenting Very Young Children, and The Prevalence of Myths Regarding Parenting Choices, Oster’s work establishes itself as an indispensable guide for parents seeking well-founded guidance amidst the myriad decisions that come with raising children.

This study guide refers to the 2019 Penguin Press Edition.

Summary

Cribsheet offers research-backed guidance on various aspects of parenting. The book consists of four parts and an introduction. For summary and analysis, this guide is divided into five parts: The Introduction through Part 1, Chapter 3; Part 2, Chapters 4 to 7; Part 2, Chapters 8 to 12; Part 3, Chapters 13 to 18; and Part 4, Chapters 19 to 21.

Following the Introduction, Oster lays the groundwork for the tumultuous journey of parenthood in Part 1.