Science Babies in The Sims 4: A Comprehensive Guide to Genetic Parenthood

The Sims 4 offers a myriad of ways to build a family, and one of the most futuristic and fascinating is the Science Baby. But how exactly do you go about creating a little bundle of genetically-modified joy? The process is fairly straightforward, offering a unique alternative to traditional pregnancy and adoption. You can choose to ask another Sim for their genetic material or use your Sim’s own DNA! The most important step is getting your Sim to a high enough friendship level with the Sim you would like to have the baby with. The target Sim must at least be a “Friend” level!

Initiating the Science Baby Project

There are a few different ways to initiate the Science Baby process in The Sims 4.

• Using the Phone: This is the most direct method. Have your Sim pull out their phone, navigate to the “Home” menu, and select “Have a Science Baby With…”. This will bring up a list of Sims on the lot. Select the Sim you wish to co-parent with or yourself. The Sim who has the baby will be randomly selected!
• Interacting Directly: If the target Sim is present, you can interact with them directly. Select the Sim, navigate to the “Friendly” interaction category, then “Deep Thoughts,” and finally “Ask to Have Science Baby”.

Requirements and Considerations

• Friendship Level: As mentioned, the most crucial requirement is a solid relationship. Your Sim needs to be at least friends with the Sim they’re asking to donate DNA. Focus on building that friendship through positive interactions.
• Sims 4 Base Game is required: This feature is included in the Sims 4 base game and can be accessed without additional packs or mods.
• Household Limit: Ensure your household has enough space! The maximum number of Sims (including humans and pets) per household is eight.
• Random Selection: Unlike traditional pregnancy, you do not get to decide who will have the science baby. The game randomly picks the Sim who will have the baby once you select this option.

What To Expect After Conception

Once you’ve successfully asked to have a Science Baby and your Sim has agreed, the process moves quickly!

• Short Gestation: Instead of the standard three-day Sim pregnancy, Science Babies arrive much faster. Expect the baby to arrive in just a few hours.
• No Pregnancy Stages: This is a significant difference from traditional pregnancies. There are no trimesters, mood swings, or cravings to deal with!
• Immediate Arrival: A social worker will arrive with the baby in tow, bypassing the labor stage altogether.
• Parental Bonds: Even though the pregnancy is shorter, the parental bonds are just as strong. Your Sim can immediately start caring for and interacting with their new Science Baby.

A Modern Approach to Family Building

Science Babies offer a fantastic option for players who want to explore alternative family dynamics, build a family quickly, or simply experience a different kind of gameplay. It’s a testament to The Sims 4’s flexibility and its ability to reflect diverse and evolving concepts of family in the 21st century. Check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org for more on how games explore social issues.

Science Babies – Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Science Babies in The Sims 4:

1. Why can’t I see the “Ask to Have Science Baby” option?

   Make sure your Sim has a high enough relationship with the target Sim. They need to be at least friends. Also, ensure both Sims are on the same lot. You can’t ask a Sim who is off-screen or in another location.

2. Can two male Sims have a Science Baby?

   Yes! The Sims 4 allows for diverse family structures. Two male Sims, two female Sims, or any combination can have a Science Baby. There are no restrictions based on gender. The Sims 4’s flexibility allows for diverse and inclusive family structures.

3. Can I influence the gender of the Science Baby?

   Unfortunately, no. The gender of a Science Baby is determined randomly. There are no in-game methods to influence it before birth. However, after the baby is born you can select Shift and click on the baby Sim to open up Create-A-Sim mode. From this menu, players can change the baby’s name and gender.

4. What happens if the Sim I ask refuses to have a Science Baby?

   If the Sim refuses, your Sim will be sad and you will have to work on your friendship. There’s no immediate penalty, but your Sim might experience a slight dip in their mood. You can try again later after improving your relationship. If you chose to have your Sim have a Science Baby on their own, then the process will happen without a second Sim needed.

5. Can Teen Sims have Science Babies?

   No, only adult Sims and older can have Science Babies. Teen Sims are not able to utilize the “Have Science Baby” function.

6. Do Science Babies inherit traits from both parent Sims?

   Yes, Science Babies inherit traits from both “parent” Sims, just like traditionally born Sims. The game randomly selects traits from each parent’s genetic pool.

7. Can I have a Science Baby with a celebrity Sim?

   Yes, as long as your Sim is friends with the celebrity Sim, you can ask them to donate DNA for a Science Baby. The fame level of the Sim doesn’t affect the process.

8. Is there a cost associated with having a Science Baby?

   No, there is no monetary cost involved in having a Science Baby. It’s free to create a Science Baby!

9. Can I choose which Sim carries the Science Baby?

   No, the game randomly selects which Sim carries the Science Baby after both Sims agree to the endeavor.

10. What if my Sim is already pregnant? Can they still have a Science Baby?

    No, a Sim cannot be pregnant and have a science baby at the same time. You must wait until the current pregnancy is over before attempting to have a science baby.

11. Can occult Sims have Science Babies?

    Yes, occult Sims (vampires, spellcasters, mermaids, etc.) can have Science Babies. The process works the same way as with regular Sims.

12. Does having a Science Baby affect my Sim’s aspirations?

    Yes, having a Science Baby can fulfill certain aspiration goals related to family or raising children. Check the specific aspiration requirements to see how it aligns.

13. Can I have a Science Baby with a Sim from another world?

    Yes, as long as the Sim from another world is on the same lot as your Sim, you can ask them to donate DNA. Travel between worlds isn’t necessary.

14. What happens if one of the parent Sims dies after the Science Baby is born?

    The remaining parent Sim will become the sole caregiver, just like in any other scenario where a parent passes away. The baby’s needs and well-being will depend on the remaining parent’s actions.

15. Are Science Babies considered related to both parent Sims for genealogical purposes?

    Yes, Science Babies are fully integrated into the family tree and are considered biologically related to both parent Sims. They will appear in the family tree with both parents listed.

By understanding the process and answering these frequently asked questions, you’ll be well-equipped to embark on your own Science Baby journey in The Sims 4. Happy Simming!