Why Can’t I Adopt a Baby in The Sims 4? A Comprehensive Guide

So, you’re ready to expand your Sim family and provide a loving home for a virtual child, but the adoption option is stubbornly absent in your Sims 4 game. Frustrating, isn’t it? Fear not, fellow Simmer! There are several common reasons why this might be happening, and we’re here to guide you through troubleshooting the issue and getting those adorable virtual babies into your Sims’ arms.

The most common reasons you might be encountering this issue are related to household size limitations, in-game relationship dynamics, affordability, or even pesky glitches. Let’s break it down:

• Household Size Limit: The most frequent culprit is exceeding the maximum household size of eight Sims (including humans, cats, and dogs). If your household already has eight members, the adoption option will be unavailable until you reduce the number.

• In-Game Relationships: In the base game, adoption is typically designed for single Sims or couples. If a child already has two parents within the game (even if one is unplayable), the adoption option might not appear for other Sims wanting to adopt them. Step-parent adoption is possible with the Growing Together expansion pack.

• Financial Constraints: Adoption in The Sims 4 isn’t free. The game requires you to have at least §1,000 Simoleons to cover the adoption fee. If your Sim family is struggling financially, you’ll need to build up your savings before adopting.

• Game Glitches and Mod Conflicts: Sometimes, technical issues or conflicting mods can interfere with the adoption process. Outdated or broken mods are notorious for causing unexpected problems in The Sims 4.

• Incorrect Interaction: You must initiate the adoption process using the correct method. The adoption option can be found by using the Sim’s phone, under the ‘Household’ tab, then selecting ‘Hire a Service’, followed by ‘Adopt a Child’.

Now that we’ve covered the main reasons let’s dive into some frequently asked questions to further clarify the adoption process in The Sims 4.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Adoption in The Sims 4

1. How do I start the adoption process in Sims 4?

To start the adoption process, have a Young Adult, Adult, or Elder Sim use their cell phone. Go to the “Household” tab (the one with the house icon), and choose “Hire a Service.” In the pop-up menu, you’ll find the “Adopt a Child” option at the bottom.

2. How much does it cost to adopt a child in The Sims 4?

The adoption fee is §1,000. Make sure your Sim household has enough Simoleons before attempting to adopt.

3. Can a single Sim adopt a child in Sims 4?

Yes, single Sims (Young Adult, Adult, or Elder) can absolutely adopt children in The Sims 4.

4. What is the maximum number of Sims allowed in a household?

The maximum household size is eight Sims, including humans, cats, and dogs. If your household is already at its maximum capacity, you won’t be able to adopt.

5. Can I adopt a child if my Sims are already parents?

Yes, as long as the total number of Sims in the household does not exceed eight. Having existing children will not prevent adoption, but it will contribute to the overall household size.

6. What ages of children can I adopt?

You can typically adopt children of different ages, ranging from babies to toddlers, children, and even teens. The age of the child available for adoption can vary.

7. What if I can’t find the “Adopt a Child” option on the phone?

Ensure you are using a Young Adult, Adult, or Elder Sim. Also, double-check that your household size is under the limit of eight. If you’ve recently installed mods, try disabling them to see if they are interfering with the option. If that doesn’t work, repair your game through Origin/EA App.

8. Can I adopt a pet instead of a child?

Yes! The “Adopt a Dog” and “Adopt a Cat” options are located in the same menu as the “Adopt a Child” option. Remember that pets count towards the household size limit.

9. What happens after I adopt a child?

After completing the adoption process, a new Sim will be added to your household. You’ll be able to customize their appearance and personality to some extent (depending on their age).

10. Can children who were taken away by social services be adopted back?

This can be tricky. If your Sim was deemed a neglectful parent, it might be difficult for that specific Sim to adopt again. However, you could try using another household to adopt the child and then invite them into your original household through gameplay or by merging the households.

11. Do expansion packs affect the adoption process?

Some expansion packs can add depth to the adoption process. For example, the Growing Together expansion adds the ability for step-parents to legally adopt step-children.

12. Can I foster children in Sims 4?

The base game doesn’t include a fostering system, but there are mods available that allow your Sims to become foster parents. The article mentions the LMS Foster Family Network mod as an example.

13. What should I do if I think my game is glitching and preventing adoption?

First, try restarting your game. If the issue persists, try repairing the game files through the Origin/EA App. You can also try moving your Sims to a new lot or even a new save file to see if that resolves the problem.

14. Can I use cheats to adopt a child in Sims 4?

While there isn’t a direct cheat code to instantly adopt a child, you can use cheats to increase your household funds to ensure you have enough Simoleons for the adoption fee. To do this, press Ctrl + Shift + C to open the cheat console, type testingcheats true, and then type money [amount] (e.g., money 50000) to set your household funds.

15. Do adopted children have different genetics than my Sims?

Yes, adopted children will have different genetics. They will not inherit any genetic traits from your Sim parents. This adds a unique element to family gameplay.

Adoption can be a deeply rewarding experience in The Sims 4, adding new dynamics and challenges to your gameplay. By understanding the limitations and troubleshooting steps outlined above, you can overcome any obstacles and create a loving home for a virtual child. Happy Simming!

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