Emily Oster

Economics & PolicyCulture

Brown University economist and author who applies rigorous data analysis to everyday decisions around parenting, pregnancy, pediatric health, and education. Oster has written three popular books — including 'Expecting Better' and 'Cribsheet' — that challenge conventional parenting advice with statistical evidence, often overturning widely repeated claims that lack strong empirical support. Her ParentData newsletter on Substack extends that work with ongoing analysis of research studies, public health guidance, and policy affecting families. She became particularly prominent during the COVID-19 pandemic for her data-driven analysis of school reopening and child transmission risks.

Known for

Authored 'Expecting Better' (2013), which used economic data to challenge standard pregnancy advice — a bestseller that changed how many doctors communicate with patients
Authored 'Cribsheet' (2019), applying the same data-driven approach to early childhood decisions
Her COVID-era analysis of school reopening and child transmission data was widely cited and influenced school policy debates
Writes the ParentData newsletter, bringing rigorous research analysis to parenting decisions for a large general audience