Two Parents & A Podcast

Evidence-based parenting decisions: breastfeeding, vaccines & screen time (with Emily Oster)

22 Dec 2025

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This week on Two Parents & A Podcast, we’re back with Emily Oster (bestselling author, economist, and the data-driven voice behind ParentData.org) this time diving into some of the most common (and most stressful???) early parenting decisions. From breastfeeding and formula to alcohol while nursing, sleep training, childcare, discipline, screen time, and vaccines, Emily explains what’s actually supported by research versus what’s been inflated by guilt, outdated thinking, and internet panic. She breaks down why some benefits are smaller than they’re often made out to be, why rigid “rules” can miss the bigger picture, and why parents deserve clearer context without shame. If you’ve ever questioned the parenting “rules,” this episode offers more context (not more rules) so you can decide what works for your family!!! Timestamps: 00:00:00 Welcome back to Two Parents & A Podcast! (pt 2 with Emily Oster) 00:00:48 Introduction to Emily Oster 00:01:48 Breastfeeding: what benefits are actually proven (and how big are they)? 00:07:50 Alcohol while breastfeeding: do you ever need to pump & dump? 00:09:25 Sleep training / cry it out: is it safe — and what does the data say long-term? 00:14:46 Child care: does daycare/nannies affect kids — and what should parents prioritize? 00:17:31 Spanking & discipline: does spanking work — and what’s the better alternative? 00:23:48 Screen time: what matters for toddlers — and is “overstimulation” real? 00:36:30 Vaccines: should you follow the schedule, space them out, or opt out of any? 00:43:54 Thank you for listening! #twoparentsandapod --------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you to our sponsors this week: *Aura Frames: $35 off with code TWOPARENTS — shop perfect holiday gifts at https://on.auraframes.com/TWOPARENTS. *Nutrafol: Get $10 off your first month’s subscription plus free shipping at https://www.nutrafol.com with code TWOPARENTS. *Kachava: Get 15% off your next order at https://www.kachava.com with code TWOPARENTS. *Quince: Step into the holiday season with layers made to last. Head to https://www.quince.com/alex for free shipping and 365-day returns. --------------------------------------------------------------- Listen to the pod on YouTube/Spotify/Apple: https://www.youtube.com/@twoparentsandapod https://open.spotify.com/show/7BxuZnHmNzOX9MdnzyU4bD?si=5e715ebaf9014fac https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/two-parents-a-podcast/id1737442386 --------------------------------------------------------------- Follow Two Parents & A Podcast: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/twoparentsandapod TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@twoparentsandapod Follow Alex Bennett: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/justalexbennett TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@justalexbennett Follow Harrison Fugman: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/harrisonfugman TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@harrisonfugman Find our guest: Website | https://parentdata.org/ Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/profemilyoster TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@profemilyoster --------------------------------------------------------------- Powered by: Just Media House – https://www.justmediahouse.com/ --------------------------------------------------------------- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Two Parents & A Podcast

Evidence-based parenting decisions: breastfeeding, vaccines & screen time (with Emily Oster)

This episode hasn't been transcribed yet

Other episodes from Two Parents & A Podcast

Fertility Specialist: Understanding female & male fertility, when to get help & how treatments work (with Dr. Lucky)

Food poisoning, pacifier weaning & dressing up for flights?!

Dad insecurities, providing for the family & bonding with baby

Alcohol in our relationship, maternity leave scandal & we bought a car

Home school, formula scandal & the “decline” of alcohol

Relationship Q&A: Marriage, Baby #2 & Parenting Style Differences

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