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Zero to Five: 70 Essential Parenting Tips Based on Science
NOTE: this is the updated paperback edition of Zero to Five: 70 Essential Parenting Tips Based on Science. If you want the photo-based version in a larger format, please see the hardcover edition.
Spend more time sleeping. Spend less time reading up on pregnancy, baby sleep, picky eaters, child development, potty training, toddler tantrums, and positive discipline.
In Zero to Five: 70 Essential Parenting Tips Based on Science, journalist Tracy Cutchlow cuts to the chase. You get practical, lively, bite-sized chunks on the best parenting research.
Zero to Five draws on scientific research from a wide range of experts, including Diana Baumrind (parenting styles), Dimitri Christakis (screen time), Adele Diamond (neuroscience and executive function), Carol Dweck (growth mindset), Alison Gopnik (child psychology), John Gottman (marriage and conflict resolution), Megan McClelland (executive function), Patricia Kuhl (language acquisition), Ellyn Satter (feeding children), Dan Siegel (emotions), Paul Torrance (creative thinking), Grover Whitehurst (literacy and reading comprehension), and more.
Then Cutchlow makes it all readable, for that 2-minute break you've got during your sleep-deprived day. Zero to Five is the book she wished she had as a new mom.
This parenting book is for you
...if you want solid, not trendy, information--studies that have stood the test of time
...if you are new to parenting or looking for new ideas
...if you want real-world examples of applying the research: not just what but how
...if you are tired of time-outs, bribing, and counting to 3
...if you want word-for-word examples for responding to tantrums, hitting, biting, not sharing, talking back, and not listening
...if you are worried about television and screen time
...if you want to do things differently than your parents did
...if you work with families as a professional and need evidence-based resources (pediatricians, parent educators, child-care providers, home visitors, and family therapists all rate Zero to Five highly)
...if you want to enjoy parenting, not just survive it
Zero to Five is your quick and easy guide to the best practices in parenting. Learn more at www.zerotofive.net
Spend more time sleeping. Spend less time reading up on pregnancy, baby sleep, picky eaters, child development, potty training, toddler tantrums, and positive discipline.
In Zero to Five: 70 Essential Parenting Tips Based on Science, journalist Tracy Cutchlow cuts to the chase. You get practical, lively, bite-sized chunks on the best parenting research.
Zero to Five draws on scientific research from a wide range of experts, including Diana Baumrind (parenting styles), Dimitri Christakis (screen time), Adele Diamond (neuroscience and executive function), Carol Dweck (growth mindset), Alison Gopnik (child psychology), John Gottman (marriage and conflict resolution), Megan McClelland (executive function), Patricia Kuhl (language acquisition), Ellyn Satter (feeding children), Dan Siegel (emotions), Paul Torrance (creative thinking), Grover Whitehurst (literacy and reading comprehension), and more.
Then Cutchlow makes it all readable, for that 2-minute break you've got during your sleep-deprived day. Zero to Five is the book she wished she had as a new mom.
This parenting book is for you
...if you want solid, not trendy, information--studies that have stood the test of time
...if you are new to parenting or looking for new ideas
...if you want real-world examples of applying the research: not just what but how
...if you are tired of time-outs, bribing, and counting to 3
...if you want word-for-word examples for responding to tantrums, hitting, biting, not sharing, talking back, and not listening
...if you are worried about television and screen time
...if you want to do things differently than your parents did
...if you work with families as a professional and need evidence-based resources (pediatricians, parent educators, child-care providers, home visitors, and family therapists all rate Zero to Five highly)
...if you want to enjoy parenting, not just survive it
Zero to Five is your quick and easy guide to the best practices in parenting. Learn more at www.zerotofive.net
256 pages, Paperback
First published June 17, 2014
79 people are currently reading
1432 people want to read
About the author
Tracy Cutchlow
7 books19 followersI'm the author of Zero to Five: 70 Essential Parenting Tips Based on Science. I was editor of Brain Rules for Baby, Brain Rules, and Brain Rules for Aging Well. As a journalist, I worked at The Seattle Times, The Oregonian, and MSN.com. I'm mom to one precocious kindergartner. My husband and I live in Seattle. You can find my writing on parenting in publications from The Huffington Post to the Washington Post.
Subscribe to my parenting tips at www.zerotofive.net/sign-up/ and join 10,000+ parents and parenting professionals finding more calm and confidence!
Subscribe to my parenting tips at www.zerotofive.net/sign-up/ and join 10,000+ parents and parenting professionals finding more calm and confidence!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
September 4, 2015
So I've read this very slowly over the last few weeks. It should be titled "Some Facts, Some Opinions, Some Based on Science, Some Loosely Backed Somewhat by Science". That being said, it is a book filled with good ideas on what to do with your babies. It does get a little condescending and gives input into your marriage, adult friendships, and the speed of your life. Most of the tips in this book are pretty obvious or well known, even if they aren't often followed, like no tv for your babies and let your kids play with boxes. Some might be a little more helpful, especially if you didn't have a good parenting example or still don't. I wouldn't buy it for anyone I know, but I can see there being an audience for it.
July 6, 2014
This has been my favorite baby prep book so far. It's based on science, gives advice I can totally get behind, was easy to read all at once (and will be easy to flip to specific sections later), and has a beautiful layout & photos. I'll be recommending this book to everyone!
November 19, 2015
An easy read with lots of good tips, but also some misinformation, based on what I've learned as an early childhood educator and (briefly) parent. Although many tips in the book include general references to scientific studies, there is not enough explanation of where she is getting her information to even investigate the differences I noted (Co-sleeping, for example, is said here to be specifically detrimental to the quality of both baby and mother's sleep. I was unable to locate anything on the Internet suggesting that, and the Internet usually has arguments for and against everything. There's also no bibliography.). I still recommend the book if you don't know much about babies and young children; just take the advice with a grain of salt and do some independent research if something doesn't jive with your experience.
December 30, 2020
The kid is seven and I finally finished this. I do recommend it for parents of young children.
Good info and not overwhelming. Layout makes it easy to read even with tired brain. Then I recommend this one.How to Talk so Little Kids Will Listen: A Survival Guide to Life with Children Ages 2-7
Please send fireworks for finally getting this one off the shelf. The delay is me and not the book.
Good info and not overwhelming. Layout makes it easy to read even with tired brain. Then I recommend this one.How to Talk so Little Kids Will Listen: A Survival Guide to Life with Children Ages 2-7
Please send fireworks for finally getting this one off the shelf. The delay is me and not the book.
August 19, 2021
Just noticed that the reviews for some of my old Goodreads Giveaways have been deleted somehow, oops! So here is a new one. Unfortunately, I don't remember much about this book as it's been so long since I read it, but I remember feeling pretty satisfied with the information I was getting from it while I was a Preschool teacher.
abandoned-it
February 28, 2021No shade to this book, but I had learned most of the tips already and a lot of them were for children under 3, which is not really where I need to be reading now.
Read
August 6, 2020A Very nice book. I have learned from it. However, I might say, it feels overwhelming to hear at once all you 'need' to be doing with you baby.
July 6, 2014
ZERO TO FIVE is a book that should be one of many in a series. You could consider this an essential book for all new moms and dads.
Easy to read, which is really important when you are pregnant and tired and or nauseated or have a newborn and lack sleep or a toddler you can’t keep up with, Zero to Five is one of those books that will be shared with other new moms and maybe even will be the Doctor Spock of this generation. Wish they had books like this when we were new parents! It could be called the “Pre-baby and Children 1-5 User’s Manual!” I only hope she continues writing, doing follow up books for children up to the age of 18 or even into college years!
Tracy Cutchlow, the author who says she wished for a book like this when she was a new mom, has definitely put together a book that is what I would call essential for all new parents. The chapters are separated in easy to read installments. They include but are not limited to such things as how to prepare for your baby (you can expect conflict and you can’t truly be prepared!), how to love your baby, how to talk to your baby, how to potty train, teach sign language (for the time before your baby understands and communicates in your language) and so much more.
And she doesn’t just rely on her own experience as a parent to give advice on but adds, within each chapter, information drawn from many learned studies. There are suggestions she and others feel work beautifully as well as website links and good to know information and DO IT NOW suggestions such as couples should, before baby is born, make a chart of who will do what chores!
Why didn’t we think of that back when our kids were coming along?
In short this is a collection of the best advice that is actually backed up with research. It also has actual parents with their children in pictures and information. It is only focused on the first five years because 90% of brain development happens during this time
Each age is given concrete tips to use; something other books don’t even come near to addressing. Unafraid of “touchy topics” either it tells it like it is when it comes to discipline, friends, in-laws and how your relationship with your spouse can affect your child even more than you realize.
What is also really REALLY wonderful about this book is that it folds flat, having a large spiral center like a school notebook- but sturdier. Parents, especially parents of little children, will appreciate this fact, as any parent can tell you three hands are needed to hold a child and do anything else at all. Being designed this way it will also last for generations to come!
I won this wonderful book through Goodreads.
Easy to read, which is really important when you are pregnant and tired and or nauseated or have a newborn and lack sleep or a toddler you can’t keep up with, Zero to Five is one of those books that will be shared with other new moms and maybe even will be the Doctor Spock of this generation. Wish they had books like this when we were new parents! It could be called the “Pre-baby and Children 1-5 User’s Manual!” I only hope she continues writing, doing follow up books for children up to the age of 18 or even into college years!
Tracy Cutchlow, the author who says she wished for a book like this when she was a new mom, has definitely put together a book that is what I would call essential for all new parents. The chapters are separated in easy to read installments. They include but are not limited to such things as how to prepare for your baby (you can expect conflict and you can’t truly be prepared!), how to love your baby, how to talk to your baby, how to potty train, teach sign language (for the time before your baby understands and communicates in your language) and so much more.
And she doesn’t just rely on her own experience as a parent to give advice on but adds, within each chapter, information drawn from many learned studies. There are suggestions she and others feel work beautifully as well as website links and good to know information and DO IT NOW suggestions such as couples should, before baby is born, make a chart of who will do what chores!
Why didn’t we think of that back when our kids were coming along?
In short this is a collection of the best advice that is actually backed up with research. It also has actual parents with their children in pictures and information. It is only focused on the first five years because 90% of brain development happens during this time
Each age is given concrete tips to use; something other books don’t even come near to addressing. Unafraid of “touchy topics” either it tells it like it is when it comes to discipline, friends, in-laws and how your relationship with your spouse can affect your child even more than you realize.
What is also really REALLY wonderful about this book is that it folds flat, having a large spiral center like a school notebook- but sturdier. Parents, especially parents of little children, will appreciate this fact, as any parent can tell you three hands are needed to hold a child and do anything else at all. Being designed this way it will also last for generations to come!
I won this wonderful book through Goodreads.
April 1, 2015
This will be the book I give at a baby shower. Zero to Five is full of tons of great information from preparing for baby,to talking & connecting, sleep, eat, and potty, as well as discipline and play. She covers so many topics concisely, that it makes this book a good reference. But I love the pictures and layout, you never feel like you are reading a parenting book let alone with so much information.
August 15, 2014
Chock full of positive parenting tips and quite a few "sneaky librarian" tips for encouraging early literacy by harnessing the power of fun and the amazing curiosity of the developing brain. This book feels like a good talk with an old friend, it bolsters you, realigns you and educates you with a gentle hand.
Put this on your baby shower gift basket list...
Put this on your baby shower gift basket list...
August 17, 2014
I really love this book. It has helped me come up with ways to help raise my child better than I was brought up. I look forward to testing out many of the strategies for the little bumps along the road in our lives.
July 25, 2022
To the point 👌
May 6, 2018
***THIS BOOK WAS RECEIVED FROM A GOODREADS GIVEAWAY***
As an INTJ who is preparing to have kids, I’ve found a lot of advice that seems to be hearsay and old wives tales. As a scientist, I don’t particularly care for “tips and tricks” that are based on emotional responses or limited data sets either. Enter Zero to Five, a book that attempts to gather together the scientific research done to identify the positive and negative methodologies used to raise kids from birth to five years old. Some of the results are not what you’d expect. Of course, many of the snippets of advice contained in this book keep reiterating the same points: empathy, communication, and problem-solving.
Early on in Zero to Five, I was engaged with the format and the narrative, but as the book dragged on, the repetition of the same themes became tedious. It also felt like the references to studies and research that were prevalent in the first half were replaced by anecdotal evidence in the second. Maybe they were still there the whole time; they just weren’t as noticeable. I get that this book is a list of topics that would be used as references when needed, but I almost wish it was organized in a way that broke it into the big ideas that need to be grasped and focused on each one of them instead of continually hitting the same notes over and over again.
Despite my qualms with the format, there seems to be a plentitude of useful advice in this book, even if much of it may be difficult to employ in real life. So many of our “instinctual” parenting skills were inherited from our parents, so it can be a challenge to break free from them and try other techniques that might work much better. At the very least, I know I’ll probably want to reference this book when kids enter the picture. I’ll probably have it filled with sticky notes and dog-eared pages by the time any of my kids reach five years old.
A collection of scientific studies and anecdotes to help parents raise better kids, I give Zero to Five 4.0 stars out of 5.
For more reviews of books and movies like this, please visit www.benjamin-m-weilert.com
As an INTJ who is preparing to have kids, I’ve found a lot of advice that seems to be hearsay and old wives tales. As a scientist, I don’t particularly care for “tips and tricks” that are based on emotional responses or limited data sets either. Enter Zero to Five, a book that attempts to gather together the scientific research done to identify the positive and negative methodologies used to raise kids from birth to five years old. Some of the results are not what you’d expect. Of course, many of the snippets of advice contained in this book keep reiterating the same points: empathy, communication, and problem-solving.
Early on in Zero to Five, I was engaged with the format and the narrative, but as the book dragged on, the repetition of the same themes became tedious. It also felt like the references to studies and research that were prevalent in the first half were replaced by anecdotal evidence in the second. Maybe they were still there the whole time; they just weren’t as noticeable. I get that this book is a list of topics that would be used as references when needed, but I almost wish it was organized in a way that broke it into the big ideas that need to be grasped and focused on each one of them instead of continually hitting the same notes over and over again.
Despite my qualms with the format, there seems to be a plentitude of useful advice in this book, even if much of it may be difficult to employ in real life. So many of our “instinctual” parenting skills were inherited from our parents, so it can be a challenge to break free from them and try other techniques that might work much better. At the very least, I know I’ll probably want to reference this book when kids enter the picture. I’ll probably have it filled with sticky notes and dog-eared pages by the time any of my kids reach five years old.
A collection of scientific studies and anecdotes to help parents raise better kids, I give Zero to Five 4.0 stars out of 5.
For more reviews of books and movies like this, please visit www.benjamin-m-weilert.com
July 16, 2020
This is a tough review for me, as I listened to the Audible version of this book, which I think impacted my enjoyment. The content itself was generally practical, science-based parenting tips, most of which seem valuable, which is exactly what I wanted. Definitely a few tips felt a lot more opinion-based, and a lot of the science felt under-explained and a little hand wave-y. And for no fault of the book, a bunch more of the advice feels a little outdated in the moment I read it, in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic and the new normal of social distancing.
The thing I struggled most with was the structure; I really wanted this book to be organized by age, rather by tip. As a result it felt very jumbled to me - as a parent of a newborn, it rapidly went from "okay I'm past this stage...ah this bit is super valuable.... okay this stuff is going to be later on". And over and over for each topic, which were only loosely grouped together.
Now that I'm looking at pictures of the physical book.....yeah it makes a lot more sense why it's organized like it is.
I give specifically the Audible version of this book three stars - I appreciated the breezy read and generally practical tips, but in retrospect I chose the wrong format, and I wish the content was maybe slightly *less* breezy.
The thing I struggled most with was the structure; I really wanted this book to be organized by age, rather by tip. As a result it felt very jumbled to me - as a parent of a newborn, it rapidly went from "okay I'm past this stage...ah this bit is super valuable.... okay this stuff is going to be later on". And over and over for each topic, which were only loosely grouped together.
Now that I'm looking at pictures of the physical book.....yeah it makes a lot more sense why it's organized like it is.
I give specifically the Audible version of this book three stars - I appreciated the breezy read and generally practical tips, but in retrospect I chose the wrong format, and I wish the content was maybe slightly *less* breezy.
March 22, 2025
Maybe even 4.5.
Love how short and sweet each segment is, and how each larger chapter or section focuses on a main topic. Despite the segments being short, they're packed with really informative and approachable suggestions, backed by research and of course further supported by the author's experiences.
For example, I really appreciated the segment about praise and how to encourage a growth mindset VS a fixed mindset in your child. The author tied in explanations, research, and examples. It made me realize that I grew up with (and still struggle with) a fixed mindset and how much easier it is to praise traits/abilities than effort. I will be so much more consciously aware to praise effort and processes, and having the examples was really helpful to me.
This was probably one of my favourite parenting books to date. It covered so many topics, and I just really enjoyed how it was laid out. It made reading about a lot of information easy and inviting (we all know how I love short chapters!). Like with any parenting book, you take what you agree with and what resonates with you, and you leave what doesn't necessarily fit your style or beliefs; none of the information in this book was presented in a way that felt shoved down your throat or judge-y, so I appreciated that as well. :-)
Love how short and sweet each segment is, and how each larger chapter or section focuses on a main topic. Despite the segments being short, they're packed with really informative and approachable suggestions, backed by research and of course further supported by the author's experiences.
For example, I really appreciated the segment about praise and how to encourage a growth mindset VS a fixed mindset in your child. The author tied in explanations, research, and examples. It made me realize that I grew up with (and still struggle with) a fixed mindset and how much easier it is to praise traits/abilities than effort. I will be so much more consciously aware to praise effort and processes, and having the examples was really helpful to me.
This was probably one of my favourite parenting books to date. It covered so many topics, and I just really enjoyed how it was laid out. It made reading about a lot of information easy and inviting (we all know how I love short chapters!). Like with any parenting book, you take what you agree with and what resonates with you, and you leave what doesn't necessarily fit your style or beliefs; none of the information in this book was presented in a way that felt shoved down your throat or judge-y, so I appreciated that as well. :-)
November 30, 2023
The language of the book is easy to follow and there were some great ideas. What didn't work for me is that I don't understand who this book is written for. It sounds like a great idea: learn everything on everything in just one book! However, when you have a 1 month old, for example, you worry about what's going on with your 1 month old, not what you will play when the kid is 5 years old. Or if the kid is older, you don't need to learn what you could have done when she was an infant. So it's a good idea, but as an idea. As a product it's rather waste of time sadly. I don't think I will remember much as my kid grows and I rather read books that are more deeply dedicated to the topic of my immediate concern.
June 16, 2018
I like the format of this book. It covers subjects in just a few pages which would seem a plus for busy parents. It seems to be heavier on suggestions than science, although there are small mentions of scientific research in some inset boxes. However, references are provided at the end of the book to provide a source to get more detailed information on a topic. There is also an age key at the back of the book to allow you to jump to pages relevant to a specific age. I think this would be a valuable primer for new parents and would also make a nice gift.
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
December 29, 2018
I gave it a 4 because nothing groundbreaking but it's helpful reminders in a quick and unbelievably easy to read format. While it does say zero-5 most of the advice centers on early on and the sleep section I was hoping for more help in the 2 area which is why I grab the book off the library shelf. Though I did love some ideas for easy games to play in the executive functioning section and snack ideas in the food section. But I'm most impressed with the formatting and easy skimmable content, which is important for a busy parent. I'm also impressed with all the colorful photos it simply made it pleasurable to read , all the bright colors.
October 2, 2018
What I like about this book is practicality of all the suggestions made by the author.
Most of the tips are fairly common, but the writer makes a good point when she explains the baby’s perspective. It makes it more logical and simply achievable.
It’s a great book for someone feeling overwhelmed by the whole baby experience and needs something good and concise to bank upon.
I would suggest go for it.
Most of the tips are fairly common, but the writer makes a good point when she explains the baby’s perspective. It makes it more logical and simply achievable.
It’s a great book for someone feeling overwhelmed by the whole baby experience and needs something good and concise to bank upon.
I would suggest go for it.
January 27, 2018
Very good in places, more 3 or 4 stars, because it reminds you of helpful tips and has a few of its own. Sadly, this is padded out with photos of kids, dull text and irritating light type which is difficult to read on a Kindle. Part of the problem lies in the fact that the meatier sections tend to be in the second half, by which time you're probably a little frustrated with it already.
March 29, 2018
Probably my favorite of the baby books I’ve read. Useful information, but it would have been interesting to have more info on the studies referred to.
I find the constant need to try to make “relatable,” knowing jokes tiresome and off-putting, but it’s ubiquitous in the genre and this book isn’t too bad about it.
I find the constant need to try to make “relatable,” knowing jokes tiresome and off-putting, but it’s ubiquitous in the genre and this book isn’t too bad about it.
January 20, 2020
Excellent book offering many tidbits on different areas of parenting. Everything is based on the experts/research, not just her opinion, but topped with real world experience for implementation, aka the best of both worlds. Also easy to read/reference in that each idea on concept is summarized in a page or two. Definitely recommend!
January 1, 2022
I’ve skimmed this a few times and finally feel like I have “read” it all the way through.
This is a good collection of 1 page reminders that are often 300 page parenting books. Sometimes I do want the longer book, but I definitely plan on returning to this regularly to refresh myself on some timely tips.
This is a good collection of 1 page reminders that are often 300 page parenting books. Sometimes I do want the longer book, but I definitely plan on returning to this regularly to refresh myself on some timely tips.
November 8, 2017
Nice little book with tips on how to raise children who will develop a sense of empathy, growth mindset and resilience. There are other books that drill down deeper into each of those traits, but this tome is a good gateway into those topics. Highly recommend.
April 15, 2018
This book is very easy to read and understand parenting tips. I really learned alot from pregnancy to age five patenting tips. I would recommend others who may be first time parents to get ahold of this book and read it for themselves.
April 17, 2018
I have just finished this book and boy was it interesting. From page one till the end, I learned alot about conception to five year olds. Very well written. A must read book for those who have just found out they are pregnant and hold onto this book till your child is at least five.
July 17, 2018
The photos touched my heart and brought the advice to life. My kids are older (should have read this sooner), but some advice is still relevant. Overall a good reference book, with amazing photos. Downside- I didn’t love the large awkward size of the book.
July 28, 2019
CONCISE and to the point (at the expense of depth, elaboration, etc), which I greatly appreciated, since the inclination is to write a whole book when an essay would really suffice. A great overview of topics!
December 28, 2020
I paged through this in an hour or so. It does a pretty good job of summarizing things I'd read more extensively elsewhere. It was really convenient for my husband, who hasn't had all the time on maternity leave to read more.
June 26, 2021
I read this as an audiobook on Spotify. It was very thorough read with more information than I knew could apply to raising kids. It was great just to learn about child psychology in general and about how parents affect child developpment.
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