Do Babies Auto Age in Sims 4? A Comprehensive Guide

Yes, babies in The Sims 4 do automatically age up. Specifically, newborns will automatically age up into infants after about one in-game day. However, you aren’t forced to wait. You also have the option to manually age up a newborn into an infant by clicking on the baby and selecting the “Age Up” interaction. This allows you to control the pace of your Sim’s life and development. This same principle generally applies to other life stages, but the duration of each stage and the options for manual aging vary.

Understanding the Sims 4 Life Stages

The Sims 4 offers a rich and detailed life cycle for your Sims, and understanding each stage is crucial for managing your household. Each stage has its own duration, needs, and activities. Let’s break down the stages relevant to aging up from a baby:

• Newborn: This is the very first stage, where your Sim is confined to a bassinet and requires constant care. They automatically age up to an infant after approximately one in-game day.
• Infant: This stage is much more interactive. Infants can crawl, interact with toys, and develop their personalities. This stage lasts a few days.
• Toddler: Toddlers are a handful! They can walk (or waddle), talk, and learn basic skills like potty training. This stage lasts a few days as well.
• Child: Children go to school, develop hobbies, and build relationships. This stage is longer than the infant and toddler stages.
• Teen: Teenagers experience the joys and challenges of adolescence, including high school, part-time jobs, and first crushes.
• Young Adult: This is the stage where Sims typically start their careers, move out, and begin families.
• Adult: Adults are in their prime, focusing on their careers, families, and personal goals.
• Elder: Elders are the final stage of life, where Sims retire, enjoy their hobbies, and reflect on their lives.

Manual Aging vs. Auto-Aging: Which is Right for You?

The Sims 4 gives you the flexibility to choose how your Sims age. Whether you prefer to let the game’s natural progression take its course or take a more hands-on approach, the choice is yours.

• Auto-Aging: This is the default setting. Sims will automatically age through the life stages based on the lifespan you’ve selected in the game options (Short, Normal, or Long). This is great for players who want a more hands-off experience and enjoy watching their Sims develop organically.
• Manual Aging: This involves using birthday cakes, aging up interactions, or cheats to force a Sim to age up. This is perfect for players who want to control the pace of their game and focus on specific life stages. This is particularly helpful if you want to spend more time with a Sim in a specific stage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to provide further insights into aging and babies in The Sims 4.

How long does it take for a newborn to age into an infant in Sims 4?

A newborn will automatically age up to an infant after approximately one in-game day. You can also manually age them up sooner by clicking on them and selecting “Age Up.”

Can I turn off auto-aging in Sims 4?

Yes, you can turn off auto-aging in the game options. This will prevent your Sims from automatically aging up, allowing you to control their life stages manually. Go to Game Options -> Gameplay -> Auto Age (Played Sims/Unplayed Sims).

How do I age up a Sim early in Sims 4?

There are several ways to age up a Sim early:

1. Birthday Cake: Bake a cake, add birthday candles, and have the Sim you want to age up blow out the candles.
2. Age Up Interaction: Click on the Sim and select “Age Up” if the option is available. This is most common for newborns.
3. Cheats: Use the cheat code testingcheats true, then shift-click on the Sim and select “Trigger Age Transition.”

What happens if I don’t age up my baby Sims?

If you leave auto-aging on, the baby will eventually age up into an infant without your intervention. If auto-aging is off, they will remain a baby indefinitely until you manually age them up.

How many babies can a Sim have at once in Sims 4?

Without cheats, a Sim can naturally have up to triplets. With cheats or mods, you can increase this number.

What are the needs of an infant Sim in Sims 4?

Infant Sims have several needs that must be met, including:

• Hunger: Feed them bottles or baby food.
• Hygiene: Change their diapers and bathe them.
• Comfort: Cuddle and soothe them.
• Social: Interact with them to keep them happy.
• Sleep: Ensure they get enough sleep.

How do I get my Sim pregnant in Sims 4?

Sims can get pregnant by trying for a baby with another Sim. Increase the relationship between two Sims, then select “Try for Baby” when interacting with a bed.

Can elder Sims get pregnant in Sims 4?

Female Elder Sims cannot get pregnant unless a mod is used, but male Elder Sims can still impregnate adult female Sims.

What skills can infants learn in Sims 4?

Infants in The Sims 4 can learn a variety of skills that help them grow and develop. These skills are primarily focused on physical and social development and pave the way for future learning. Here are the key skills infants can develop:

• Movement: Infants improve this skill by crawling around and exploring their environment.
• Communication: Infants develop this skill through babbling, cooing, and eventually learning to say simple words.
• Thinking: This skill improves as infants interact with toys and objects, learning about cause and effect.
• Potty: Although not a traditional skill, infants can learn potty training habits.
• Social: Infants build social skills by interacting with caregivers, other Sims, and even pets.

What is the difference between a newborn and an infant in Sims 4?

A newborn is confined to the bassinet and requires basic care. An infant can crawl around, interact with objects, and has more complex needs and interactions. Infants also have unique facial features and personalities that start to develop.

Can infants walk in Sims 4?

No, infants cannot walk in The Sims 4. They can only crawl. They transition to walking once they become toddlers.

Are there any cheats to make my Sim pregnant in Sims 4?

Yes, you can use cheats to make your Sim pregnant. Enter testingcheats true, then use the command sims.pregnancy.pregnancy_news false to disable pregnancy news. Then use sims.pregnancy.start_pregnancy <SimID> to start the pregnancy. You’ll need to find the SimID using other cheat commands.

What lifespan settings are available in Sims 4?

The Sims 4 offers three main lifespan settings:

• Short: Life stages are very short, allowing for fast-paced gameplay.
• Normal: This is the default setting, providing a balanced lifespan for each stage.
• Long: Life stages are extended, allowing you to spend more time in each stage.

How does aging work for pets in Sims 4?

Pets also have lifespans in The Sims 4. Foals, for example, take about eight days to age up to adults on the Normal lifespan. You can also use treats to age up pets early.

Is The Sims 4 appropriate for children?

The Sims 4 is generally considered appropriate for teenagers and older children. However, it’s important for parents to be aware of the game’s content and themes to determine if it is suitable for their child. The Sims 4 has a PEGI rating of 12 which specifies that ‘Video games that show violence of a slightly more graphic nature towards fantasy characters or non-realistic violence towards human-like characters would fall in this age category. The Games Learning Society is dedicated to advancing knowledge about games and learning. Please visit GamesLearningSociety.org for more information.

Mastering the Art of Aging in Sims 4

Aging in The Sims 4 is a flexible system that allows you to tailor the game to your preferences. Whether you want to micromanage every aspect of your Sims’ lives or let them develop naturally, the choice is yours. Understanding the mechanics of aging, including auto-aging, manual aging, and cheats, will help you create the perfect Sims 4 experience for you. Enjoy building your virtual families and watching them grow!