In those early newborn days—the foggy ones where time bends and your body feels foreign—it’s easy to feel like you’re drowning in decisions. Breast or bottle? Sleep routines? Swaddling, dummies, daycare, tummy time… Everyone has an opinion, and most of it contradicts itself.
For me, Cribsheet by Emily Oster was a lifeline. A grounding, intelligent voice that cut through the noise and helped me make choices that actually worked—for my baby, and for me.
What is Cribsheet?
Written by American economist (and fellow mum) Emily Oster, Cribsheet takes a fresh, empowering approach to early parenting. Instead of prescribing a one-size-fits-all method, she dives into the data behind the big baby debates—from feeding and sleep to screen time and school readiness.
This book doesn’t tell you what to do. It helps you understand the research, weigh the options, and make informed decisions you can feel good about.
Why It’s Invaluable for New Mums
In the fourth trimester, Cribsheet felt like having a wise, reassuring friend on call—one who could calmly decode the chaos and say, “Here’s what we actually know.”
As a new mum, I didn’t want to be told what to do. I wanted to feel like I had the tools to decide what was right for us. That’s exactly what this book offers. It strips away guilt and empowers you with clarity.
The tone is calm and non-judgemental. Oster lays out the evidence, highlights where the research is shaky, and reminds you that parenting is full of grey areas—and that’s perfectly okay.
Favourite Takeaways from Cribsheet
Here are a few highlights that really stayed with me:
- Breastfeeding: Oster supports breastfeeding but openly discusses the challenges and trade-offs. I felt less pressure and more peace around my choice to mixed feed with breast and formula.
- Sleep Training: The data around sleep was eye-opening—turns out, there’s more flexibility (and less long-term consequence) than we’re led to believe.
- Returning to Work: Oster digs into the impact of daycare vs. staying home, and reassures working mums that quality childcare does not damage attachment.
- Screen Time: The fear around screens is real, but the research paints a more nuanced picture—especially for babies and toddlers under two.
Each chapter helped me make more confident, less guilt-ridden choices—and that made me a calmer, more composed mum.
Why It Belongs on Every New Mum’s Shelf
Cribsheet isn’t just a book—it’s a quiet confidence boost.
Whether you’re deep in the newborn trenches or anticipating life with baby, this is the book I’d press into your hands. It won’t tell you how to parent. But it will make you feel smarter, stronger, and more at ease.
It’s also the perfect gift for baby showers or mum friends who are feeling overwhelmed.
Where to Buy Cribsheet
You can grab a copy online from these retailers:
Pro tip: The audiobook version is brilliant for contact naps, pram walks, or cluster feeds—when your hands are busy but your mind is craving stimulation.
Final Thoughts
In a season of life that can feel uncertain and all-consuming, Cribsheet reminded me that I didn’t have to know it all—I just needed to make thoughtful choices, one at a time.
If you’re a new mum navigating the fourth trimester—or you know someone who is—this book is a beautiful place to start. It’s not about doing everything perfectly. It’s about feeling empowered in the messy, beautiful middle.
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