ParentData by Emily Oster: The Data-Driven Parenting Resource We Can't Stop Talking About

Let's be real—pregnancy and parenting advice is everywhere, and most of it contradicts itself. One article tells you to do one thing, your mom says something completely different, and your best friend swears by yet another approach. It's exhausting.

That's why we're excited to share ParentData with The Mother Network community. This isn't just another parenting blog filled with opinions disguised as facts. It's an evidence-based platform founded by economist Emily Oster that actually helps you make sense of all the noise.

Why We're Obsessed with ParentData

Here at The Mother Network, we're always on the hunt for resources that actually help moms without making them feel like they're doing everything wrong. ParentData hits differently because it respects your intelligence and gives you real information to work with.

With over 1,300 articles covering everything from trying to conceive through menopause, this platform has become our go-to when we have questions. No more falling down Google rabbit holes at 2 AM trying to figure out if that thing you're worried about is actually a thing to worry about.

Meet Emily Oster: The Woman Behind the Data

Emily Oster isn't just some random person sharing parenting hot takes. She's a professor of economics at Brown University with a PhD from Harvard, specializing in health economics. But what really matters? She's a mom of two who got fed up with the lack of clear information during her own pregnancy.

Instead of just complaining about it (though, valid), Emily decided to use her expertise in analyzing data to help other parents figure out what actually matters. Her books—Expecting Better, Cribsheet, The Family Firm, and The Unexpected—have sold over 1 million copies and changed how modern parents think about decision-making.

Emily's mission is simple: give parents better data on pregnancy, parenting, and personal health so they can make confident decisions that work for their families. Not what works for someone else's family, or what worked in 1950, but what works for YOU.

What Actually Is ParentData?

ParentData is a digital platform where you can find research-backed answers to pretty much any pregnancy or parenting question you have. The content is written in a way that doesn't require a medical degree to understand, which is refreshing.

Whether you're wondering about sleep training, trying to decode prenatal testing options, or figuring out if your toddler's behavior is normal, ParentData breaks down the actual research so you can make informed choices without the judgment.

Subscription Options: Find What Works for You

One thing we appreciate about ParentData is the flexible subscription model. Not everyone needs or wants full access, and they get that.

Free Subscription

If you want to test the waters first:

• Read limited articles on ParentData.org
• Get occasional newsletters from Emily
• See if the approach works for you
• Zero commitment

Web Access

For moms who like to search for specific topics as questions come up:

• Full access to all 1,300+ articles
• Weekly digest newsletter with new content
• Search and browse whenever you need answers
• Say goodbye to questionable late-night Google searches

Plus Subscription

This is the sweet spot for most moms:

• Everything in Web Access
• Choose which newsletters you want to receive
• Customize based on where you are in your journey

Newsletter options include:

• The Latest from Emily: Breaking down current research and headlines
• Trying to Conceive (TTC): For anyone navigating fertility treatments or family planning
• PregnantData: Personalized pregnancy guide based on your actual due date
• Babies: Data-driven insights for ages 0-18 months
• ToddlerData: 15-week guide to navigating toddler life and decisions
• Digest: Weekly roundup of everything new on the site

You can adjust your newsletter preferences anytime, which is great because what you need when you're pregnant is different from what you need when you're dealing with a threenager.

Premium Subscription

For moms who want the full experience:

• Everything in Plus
• Personal discount codes to share with friends and family
• ParentData branded swag
• Exclusive access to Emily throughout the year
• VIP community opportunities

Our Favorite ParentData Features

Petey: The AI Librarian Who's Actually Helpful

ParentData has an AI assistant called Petey that you can ask questions anytime. Here's the cool part: Petey pulls answers from the entire ParentData library and Emily Oster's bestselling books, then gives you links to relevant articles so you can read more.

If Petey doesn't have an answer, the ParentData team gets notified and might create content on that topic in the future. It's like having a really smart friend who's read everything about parenting and is available 24/7.

Personalized Content

Unlike most parenting sites that throw everything at you, ParentData lets you choose what matters to you right now. Select the newsletters relevant to your current stage, get pregnancy info tailored to your due date, and adjust as your life changes.

Topics Covered

ParentData covers an impressive range of topics:

Trying to Conceive:

• Natural conception
• Fertility treatments
• Family planning with donor sperm or eggs
• Understanding your cycle and fertility challenges

Pregnancy:

• What you can actually eat and drink
• Exercise guidelines that make sense
• Prenatal testing decisions
• Managing symptoms and complications
• Labor and delivery prep

Babies and Toddlers:

• Sleep (the eternal question)
• Feeding choices without the guilt
• Development milestones
• Behavior and discipline
• Nutrition that's actually realistic

Beyond the Early Years:

• School readiness and education choices
• Ongoing health and development
• Family dynamics as kids grow

Maternal Health:

• Postpartum recovery and mental health
• Body changes and healing
• Work-life balance decisions
• Maintaining identity and relationships
• Perimenopause and menopause

Why Data-Driven Parenting Makes Sense

The whole point of ParentData is to move beyond fear-based advice and gut feelings when actual research exists. Emily doesn't tell you what to do—she gives you the data so you can decide what makes sense for your family.

This approach reduces anxiety because you're working with real information instead of worst-case scenarios. It saves time because you're not sorting through conflicting advice from a dozen sources. And it respects you as an intelligent person capable of making good decisions when you have good information.

How ParentData Is Different

It's More Reliable Than Facebook Groups: Mom groups provide amazing support and community, but advice can be all over the place. ParentData gives you research-based information while you still get that community connection elsewhere.

It's Always Updated: Unlike parenting books that can feel outdated the minute they're published, ParentData is a digital platform that's continuously updated with new research and current information.

It Has Actual Depth: Social media parenting content is great for quick tips, but ParentData offers the nuance and context you need for bigger decisions.

Getting Started with ParentData

Ready to check it out? Here's what to do:

1. Visit ParentData.org and browse the site
2. Choose a subscription level that works for your budget and needs
3. Create your account (they use a "magic link" system that's super easy)
4. If you choose Plus or Premium, pick your newsletters
5. Start exploring articles or ask Petey a question
6. Bookmark articles you want to reference later

Gift a ParentData Subscription

ParentData makes a thoughtful gift for any pregnant friend, new parent, or anyone trying to conceive. You can gift Plus or Premium subscriptions here.

Our Take

We're genuinely excited to share ParentData with The Mother Network community because it's exactly the kind of resource we wish we'd had from day one. Emily Oster's approach to breaking down research and presenting information without judgment is refreshing in a world that loves to tell mothers what they should be doing.

Whether you're trying to conceive, growing a human, surviving the newborn phase, or navigating the chaos of toddlerhood and beyond, ParentData has your back with actual data instead of opinions.

The flexible subscription options mean you can start where you're comfortable, and the ability to customize your experience means you get relevant information without being overwhelmed by content that doesn't apply to you right now.

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Bottom Line

If you're tired of conflicting advice, fear-based articles, and feeling like you're never making the "right" choice, give ParentData a try. It won't tell you what to do, but it will give you the information to make decisions with confidence.

And honestly? That's exactly what we need more of in the parenting world.

Ready to make data-driven decisions? Head to ParentData.org and see what all the buzz is about.

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