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Taming the Toddlers: Fixing Baby Glitches in The Sims 4

Baby glitches in The Sims 4 can range from mildly amusing to game-breakingly frustrating. The most common fixes involve mod troubleshooting, game cache clearing, and utilizing in-game reset options. Identifying the specific cause is key: is it a visual glitch, an interaction problem, or a more fundamental issue? Once pinpointed, a combination of the solutions detailed below should help restore order to your Sim’s nursery.

Identifying and Addressing Common Baby Glitches

The Sims 4, while a beloved life simulation game, isn’t immune to bugs. The Infant update of 2023, while adding a much-requested life stage, also introduced its fair share of glitches. Addressing these issues often requires a multi-pronged approach, from simple in-game fixes to more advanced troubleshooting.

Troubleshooting Steps: A Comprehensive Guide

Mod and Custom Content Review: This is almost always the first step. Mods, while enhancing gameplay, are often the culprit behind bizarre glitches.
- The 50/50 Method: Disable all mods and custom content. Then, re-enable them in batches. If the glitch reappears after adding a specific batch, you know the problem lies within that group. Further divide the group until you isolate the problematic mod.
- Update Mods: Ensure all your mods are up-to-date. Outdated mods are a frequent source of conflicts.
- Remove Problematic Mods: If a mod is causing persistent issues, consider removing it entirely, especially if it hasn’t been updated by its creator. For example, the “Stand Still in CAS” mod was connected to floating infants issues.
Clearing Game Cache: Corrupted cache files can lead to erratic behavior.
- Delete Cache Files: Navigate to your Sims 4 folder (usually in Documents > Electronic Arts > The Sims 4). Delete the localthumbcache.package file and the contents of the cache folder. This forces the game to rebuild these files, potentially resolving conflicts.
- Repair Game Files (Origin/EA App): In the Origin or EA App launcher, right-click on The Sims 4 and select “Repair.” This verifies the game files and replaces any corrupted ones.
In-Game Reset Options: Sometimes, a simple reset can fix the problem.
- ResetSim Cheat: Open the cheat console (Ctrl + Shift + C) and type resetSim firstname lastname (replace “firstname lastname” with the Sim’s name). This resets the Sim to a neutral state, resolving many interaction glitches.
- MoveObjects On Cheat: This cheat (entered via Ctrl + Shift + C) allows you to move objects that are usually restricted. If a baby is stuck or glitched in a crib, use bb.moveobjects on, enter Build Mode, delete the crib and the baby (if possible), save, and reload the lot. The baby should reappear in the household inventory or near the mailbox. Buy a new crib.
Addressing Specific Glitches:
- Infant Shoving Out of Crib: This is a persistent bug sometimes triggered after the Infant Update. Save, exit, and restart the game as the initial workaround. If it persists, test a new game save and if the glitch ceases to be a problem then your save may be corrupted.
- Floating Infants/Elongated Limbs: This is often mod-related. The “Stand Still in CAS” mod was specifically identified as a potential cause.
- Inability to Interact with Baby: Try the moveObjects cheat to remove and replace the crib.
- Disappearing Babies: Check the household inventory in Build Mode. Babies are often found inside cribs stored there.
- Infant Bath Glitch: This bizarre visual glitch (where flesh appears to extrude from the baby) is often resolved by restarting the game. However, consistently check for outdated mods.
Game Updates: Ensure your game is fully updated. Developers release patches to address known bugs. Enable automatic updates in Origin or the EA App.
New Save File: As a last resort, start a new save file. This helps determine if the glitch is specific to a particular save or a more widespread issue.

Preventing Future Glitches

Cautious Mod Usage: Be selective about the mods you install. Read reviews and ensure they are compatible with the latest game version. Download from reputable sources.
Regular Backups: Back up your Sims 4 folder periodically. This allows you to revert to a previous state if a glitch corrupts your save file.
Monitor Forums: Keep an eye on The Sims 4 community forums. Other players may have encountered the same glitches and found solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Sims 4 Baby Glitches

1. Why is “Try for Baby” not working in The Sims 4?

There are several reasons why the “Try for Baby” interaction might not be available. First, ensure both Sims are young adults or older (not children, teens, or elders – excluding cases where an elder Sim could be pregnant). Other possible causes include: one of the Sims is already pregnant, the household is at its maximum Sim limit (8 Sims total), or a mod conflict. Also, avoid having multiple Sims trying for a baby simultaneously, as this can sometimes cause issues.

2. What is the “Infant Bug Update” in The Sims 4?

The “Infant Bug Update” refers to glitches that arose after the free update that introduced the Infant life stage in March 2023. Common issues included visual glitches (such as Sims growing taller or having elongated limbs), interaction problems (such as not being able to bathe or interact with infants), and babies getting stuck. These glitches were often attributed to mod conflicts or issues with the base game code.

3. Why is my infant floating in CAS (Create-A-Sim) in The Sims 4?

Floating infants in CAS are usually caused by a mod that alters Sim posing. The “Stand Still in CAS” mod was frequently cited as a culprit. Disable or remove any mods that affect Sim animations or poses in CAS to resolve this issue.

4. Why can’t my Sim interact with the baby in The Sims 4?

If your Sim can’t interact with the baby, first try resetting the Sim using the resetSim cheat (as detailed above). If that doesn’t work, the issue might be with the crib. Use the bb.moveobjects on cheat to delete and replace the crib. If this persists, check if another Sim is actively performing an action with the baby, as that could be blocking your active Sim.

5. Why won’t my Sims “Try for Baby” when I tell them to?

As previously mentioned, make sure that no other Sims in the household are already pregnant or currently engaged in WooHoo or “Try for Baby.” The game can sometimes get confused if multiple pregnancy-related actions are happening simultaneously. Also, verify that both Sims have a high enough relationship level to perform the action.

6. What is the infant bath glitch in The Sims 4?

The infant bath glitch typically involves a visual distortion where a strange, fleshy growth appears on the infant’s head or body during bath time. It’s a disconcerting visual bug often resolved by restarting the game and ensuring your graphics drivers are up to date. Outdated mods may trigger this glitch.

7. Why can’t I edit my infant in CAS in The Sims 4?

Babies and Infants cannot be directly edited in CAS. Their appearance is largely randomized at birth, and you must wait until they age up to a Toddler to customize their features, clothing, and hair. When the baby ages up, you get a pop up to give them their toddler trait without going to CAS.

8. Why did my Sims baby disappear in The Sims 4?

Check your household inventory in Build Mode! Babies are often accidentally placed into cribs stored in the inventory. If the baby isn’t there, try restarting the game and checking again. If all else fails, use the resetSim cheat on the missing baby (if you remember their name) to force them to reappear.

9. Is The Sims 4 Infant update free?

Yes, the update that introduced the Infant life stage was a free update released on March 14, 2023. However, the Growing Together Expansion Pack, which expands upon the Infant gameplay with new features and interactions, is a paid expansion.

10. Can you get pregnant from WooHoo in The Sims 4?

No, regular WooHoo does not result in pregnancy. Sims must use the “Try for Baby” option to attempt conception. WooHoo only improves relationship between the two sims.

11. What happens if you “Try for Baby” in Sims 4 but don’t take a pregnancy test?

If you don’t take a pregnancy test, your Sim will automatically receive the “Eating for Two” moodlet approximately 24 in-game hours after the “Try for Baby” interaction if they are pregnant.

12. How do I force my Sim to have a baby instantly in The Sims 4?

To induce labor, open the cheat console (Ctrl + Shift + C) and type sims.add_buff pregnancy_inlabor. This will immediately put your pregnant Sim into labor. Use with caution, as it bypasses the natural pregnancy progression.

13. Is The Sims 4 baby update free?

Yes, as mentioned earlier, the update that added Infants as a life stage was a free update to the base game.

14. Can you edit a baby Sim?

While you can’t edit a baby in CAS when it is first born, a recent update to The Sims 4 allows players to customize many features of their Infant, including face, teeth, hair, and body.

15. Can Sims have a baby shower?

Yes! Baby Showers were added to The Sims 4 as part of the Parenthood Game Pack. They offer a fun way to celebrate the upcoming arrival of a new Sim and receive gifts.
Understanding the nuances of these glitches and knowing how to apply the appropriate fixes ensures a smoother and more enjoyable Sims 4 experience. Remember to be patient, methodical, and always back up your game data! This allows you to save the original game if the process fails.

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How do you fix the baby glitch on Sims 4?