When it comes to feeding your newborn, the hardest thing to find isn’t opinions…it’s facts.

In Part 2 of our special three-part series on feeding, StrollerCoaster goes deeper into the science and data behind infant formula, cutting through the noise to give parents real, evidence-based information they can trust.

Host Lynn Smith is joined by two experts with complementary perspectives. Dr. Cynthia Barber, a biochemist and leader in infant nutrition innovation, breaks down what formula actually is, how it’s developed, and what parents should understand about safety, regulation, and the evolving formula landscape.

And Emily Oster, CEO ParentData.org, brings her signature data-driven approach to parenting decisions, helping families navigate feeding choices with confidence, clarity, and far less guilt.

In our “Parenting Story of the Day” Jill, a mom from Atlanta, who made a choice about how she wanted to feed her baby and the surprising challenges that almost got in her way.

Special thanks to Target for sponsoring this episode.

Dr. Cynthia Barber

Dr. Barber is a biochemist and infant nutrition expert with decades of experience developing and bringing formula products to market. Over her career, she has helped clear an average of 26 infant formula products per year through FDA regulatory processes and played a key role in launching the first store-brand infant formulas in the United States.

She has worked with a wide range of companies, including organic formula brands, and is deeply committed to improving access to safe, high-quality infant nutrition. Today, she focuses on addressing the North American infant formula crisis and helping companies navigate FDA and international regulations to bring products to families who need them.

Emily Oster In / FB / IG / X

Emily Oster is the CEO of ParentData, a professor of economics at Brown University, and a best-selling author known for her evidence-based approach to parenting. She earned her PhD in economics from Harvard and is the author of Expecting Better, Cribsheet, The Family Firm, and The Unexpected, with more than one million copies sold. Through her work, Emily helps parents make informed decisions about pregnancy, parenting, and health by translating complex data into clear, practical insights.

Jill B

Jill B develops award-winning advertising campaigns for some of the world’s biggest brands. Outside of work and her obsession with sports, she’s the proud mom of two incredible boys, Ryder and Hudson. You’ll usually find her serving as team mom, class parent and overextending herself in just about every volunteer position possible because she has a hard time saying no. All while balancing a full-time career and a growing side business.

StrollerCoaster: A Parenting Podcast is created by Munchkin Inc., the most loved baby lifestyle brand in the world.

You can find all your favorite Munchkin products, including our new infant formula Nurture 10 Blend at https://www.munchkin.com

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Trees for the Future

All information presented on this program is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment; nor should it replace the medical judgment of a licensed healthcare provider. It is the responsibility of a guardian to seek appropriate medical attention when they are concerned about their child. The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the views of Munchkin Inc., Munchkin Inc. affiliates or the production company.

Formula Feeding: The Data, The Science, and The Real-Life Decisions