Did The Sims 4 Add Infants? A Deep Dive into the Newest (and Cutest!) Life Stage

The short and sweet answer is a resounding YES! The Sims 4 officially added Infants to the base game in a free update released on March 14, 2023. This was a monumental moment for the Sims community, filling a gap that many players felt was missing between the Newborn and Toddler life stages. This addition wasn’t just a cosmetic change; it brought a wealth of new gameplay, interactions, and customization options that dramatically enriched the family gameplay experience. No more mysteriously aging babies; now you get to experience the joys (and challenges!) of raising your Sim infants.

What Makes the Infant Update So Special?

Before the update, Sims aged up from Newborns directly into Toddlers, skipping a crucial developmental stage. This left many players wanting more depth and realism in the early stages of their Sims’ lives. The Infant update addressed this directly, introducing a fully realized life stage with unique characteristics and gameplay mechanics.

Infants aren’t just reskinned babies. They come with:

• Unique traits: Just like older Sims, Infants have traits that influence their behavior and personality.
• New interactions: From tummy time to peek-a-boo, there are tons of new ways for Sims to interact with their Infants.
• Food preferences: Infants have their own preferences when it comes to baby food, adding a layer of challenge and realism to feeding time.
• Milestones: Witness your Infant reach crucial developmental milestones, like learning to crawl and stand, adding a sense of accomplishment to raising them.
• Customization: A wide range of clothing, hairstyles, and accessories were added to create unique and adorable Infant Sims.

This update provides a much more immersive and rewarding experience for players who enjoy family-oriented gameplay. The Sims team clearly listened to the community’s desires and delivered a significant enhancement to the game.

How the Infant Update Changed The Sims 4

The impact of the Infant update extends far beyond simply adding a new life stage. It has fundamentally changed the way players approach family gameplay in The Sims 4.

Deeper Emotional Connections

The increased interactions and milestones allow players to form deeper emotional connections with their Sim Infants. Watching them grow and develop from helpless Newborns into curious and playful Infants is incredibly rewarding.

Increased Realism

The addition of traits, food preferences, and developmental milestones adds a layer of realism that was previously lacking in the game. This makes raising Sim families feel more authentic and engaging.

Enhanced Storytelling Opportunities

The Infant life stage opens up a wealth of new storytelling opportunities. Players can explore the challenges and joys of parenthood in more detail than ever before, creating richer and more compelling narratives.

A Welcome Addition for all Players

Whether you’re a seasoned Simmer or a new player, the Infant update has something to offer. It’s a fantastic addition that enhances the overall gameplay experience and makes The Sims 4 even more enjoyable.

FAQs About Sims 4 Infants

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Infants in The Sims 4, providing you with all the essential information you need to know:

1. How do I get Infants in The Sims 4?

Infants are automatically available in the base game after updating to the patch released on March 14, 2023. No expansion packs are required. Sims can have Infants through pregnancy, adoption, or by using the science baby option (surrogacy).

2. Are Infants free in The Sims 4?

Yes, the Infant update was a free base game update. Anyone who owns The Sims 4 can access the Infant life stage without purchasing additional content.

3. How do I download the Infant update?

The update should automatically download through your gaming platform (Origin/EA App, Steam, PlayStation, or Xbox). Ensure your game is set to auto-update, or manually check for updates in your game library.

4. Can Sims 4 Infants crawl?

Yes, Infants can learn to crawl! This is achieved by engaging in activities like tummy time and focusing on reaching milestones. It takes time and effort from caregivers to help Infants develop this skill.

5. Do Sims 4 babies age naturally into Infants?

Yes, Newborns will automatically age up into Infants after about a day. You can also manually age them up earlier by clicking on them and selecting “Age Up.”

6. Can Sims breastfeed Infants in The Sims 4?

Yes, breastfeeding is an option in The Sims 4. Caregivers can choose between breastfeeding and bottle-feeding. However, if a Sim is unable to produce breast milk, they cannot breastfeed.

7. Why are dirty diapers appearing on the floor?

This is a known gameplay feature. After changing an Infant’s diaper, a dirty diaper object appears on the floor and must be disposed of separately.

8. My Infants aren’t showing up. What should I do?

First, ensure the update is correctly installed and your game is up to date. Restarting your game or repairing it through the Origin/EA App or Steam can also help resolve this issue. If issues still persist, it may be mod-related; try disabling mods and see if it fixes it.

9. How many babies can a Sim be pregnant with at once?

Without mods, Sims can naturally have up to triplets. With mods, players can control how many babies a Sim has at once (up to a household limit of eight).

10. Can child Sims get pregnant?

No, by default, child Sims cannot get pregnant in The Sims 4. Pregnancy is primarily experienced by young adult, adult, and elder female Sims.

11. Is surrogacy an option in The Sims 4?

While not explicitly called “surrogacy,” Sims can have “science babies,” where they ask another Sim to carry their baby. This option allows Sims to have children without being in a romantic relationship.

12. Why won’t my Sims bathe their Infant?

Ensure the bathtub and changing table are placed correctly, with at least one full square of space between them. Sometimes, routing issues can prevent Sims from performing actions, so adjusting the placement of furniture can resolve this.

13. Why can’t my Sims clean up messes?

This is often caused by an issue with the microwave or oven. Try emptying or replacing these appliances. Resetting the Sim might also help.

14. How can I increase the chances of having twins or triplets?

You can purchase the “Fertile” reward trait for 3,000 satisfaction points. You can also try for a baby on a lot with the “On the Ley Line” lot trait.

15. How can I induce labor in The Sims 4 using cheats?

Open the cheat console by pressing Ctrl + Shift + C. Then, type sims.add_buff pregnancy_inlabor and press Enter. This will put your pregnant Sim into labor.

The Sims 4 and the Broader World of Gaming

The Sims 4, with its ongoing updates like the Infant update, continues to be a significant player in the gaming world. Its focus on simulation and storytelling aligns with broader trends in game design, emphasizing player agency and creating meaningful experiences. The game also offers valuable insights into social dynamics and human behavior, which can be explored further through resources like the Games Learning Society. By visiting GamesLearningSociety.org, you can learn more about how games like The Sims 4 can contribute to education and understanding of complex social systems.

Conclusion

The addition of Infants to The Sims 4 was a game-changer. It filled a much-needed gap in the life cycle and added depth, realism, and emotional connection to family gameplay. If you haven’t already, dive into The Sims 4 and experience the joys (and challenges!) of raising your own adorable Infant Sims. You won’t be disappointed!