Why Can’t My Sim Pick Up Her Baby? A Comprehensive Guide to Sims 4 Infant Issues

The inability of a Sim to pick up their baby in The Sims 4 is a frustrating issue that many players encounter. The reason can stem from a variety of factors, ranging from simple glitches to more complex issues with mods or game files. Usually, this issue boils down to a bug within the game itself, conflicting mods, or the infant not being properly “introduced” to the Sim. By systematically troubleshooting, you can usually identify and resolve the problem, restoring the joy of Sim parenting!

Troubleshooting the “Can’t Pick Up Baby” Issue

Here’s a detailed breakdown of potential causes and solutions:

1. The “Introduction” Bug

As highlighted in the provided text, a common reason why Sims can’t interact with infants, particularly after the Growing Together expansion pack, is that the parent or caregiver hasn’t been properly introduced to the infant. The game seems to require a formal “introduction” for all interactions to unlock.

• Solution: Have the infant perform a social interaction, such as “Smile,” directed at the parent or caregiver. This often unlocks all the caregiving interactions, including picking up the baby.

2. Mod Conflicts

The Sims 4 community is brimming with talented modders, but mods can sometimes clash with each other or with game updates, leading to unexpected behavior.

• Solution:
  • Move your entire Mods folder to the Desktop. This effectively disables all custom content.
  • Delete the localthumbcache.package file. This file stores information about your custom content and can sometimes become corrupted.
  • Start a new save game. This ensures a clean testing environment.
  • Test if the issue persists. If your Sim can now pick up the baby, the problem lies within your mods.
  • Reintroduce mods incrementally. Move small batches of mods back into the Mods folder, testing the game after each addition, to pinpoint the conflicting mod.
  • Update outdated mods. Check the mod creators’ pages for updates, as outdated mods are a common source of problems.

3. Game Glitches and Bugs

Sometimes, the issue isn’t caused by external factors but rather by an inherent bug within the game itself.

• Solution:
  • Restart the game. A simple restart can often clear minor glitches.
  • Repair the game files through Origin or the EA App. This will check for and fix any corrupted or missing game files.
  • Update the game to the latest version. Game updates often include bug fixes and performance improvements.
  • Use the resetsim cheat. Open the cheat console (Ctrl+Shift+C) and type resetsim [Sim's Full Name]. This resets the Sim’s actions and can sometimes resolve interaction problems.
  • If all else fails, you can try the method mentioned in the provided text: “Use the cheat moveObjects on then go into Buy Mode and delete the crib and baby. Saved and reload the lot and the baby will be by the mailbox, and your Sim should be able to interact with it.” This is a more drastic measure and should be used as a last resort.

4. Baby Stuck in Inventory

Occasionally, the game might mistakenly place the baby (or their crib) into the household inventory.

• Solution:
  • Enter Build Mode.
  • Open the Household Inventory (the open box icon).
  • Look for the baby or the crib. If you find them, place them back in the house.

5. Career or Task Obstruction

A Sim might be unable to interact with their baby if they are currently engaged in a career task or other action that prevents them from doing so.

• Solution: Ensure the Sim is not actively performing a task that blocks interaction. Cancel any active actions and try again.

6. Sim Motives

Low motives can sometimes hinder actions. Make sure your Sim isn’t too tired, hungry, or stressed.

• Solution: Fulfill your Sim’s basic needs (sleeping, eating, etc.) and then try picking up the baby again.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can you pick up a baby in Sims 4?

Yes! Sims 4 allows Sims to pick up Infants, feed, breastfeed, bathe, and play with them. Sims can also hold Infants while performing other actions and automatically care for the baby if it cries.

2. Why can’t I find my Sim baby?

The baby might be in your household inventory. Enter Build Mode and check the open box icon for a crib containing the baby. Place the crib back in the house.

3. Why can’t I interact with Infants in Sims 4 Growing Together?

A common bug is the need for parents/caregivers to be introduced to the infant. Have the infant “Smile” at the parent/caregiver to unlock care interactions.

4. Can a Sim who hates children have a baby in Sims 4?

A Sim with the “Hates Children” trait is less likely to want to “Try For Baby.” This action has a lower success rate, and they might need to be Dazed before it works.

5. How do I get my Sim to have her baby in Sims 4?

When the pregnant Sim is in labor, wait the three in-game hours or select the ‘Have Baby’ option (available as a self-interaction or on bassinets).

6. Why am I not having twins in Sims 4?

Buy the fertile trait in the rewards store for 3,000 satisfaction points to increase the chances of twins or triplets.

7. How do you make your Sim lose their baby in Sims 4?

Use the cheat code “testingcheats true”, followed by “sims.removeallbuffs pregnancy_in labor”. This terminates the pregnancy without lasting effects. Note: Consider the ethical implications of using cheats to alter pregnancy in your gameplay.

8. Can Sims get abortions in Sims 4?

The Sims 4 doesn’t officially offer abortions. However, there are unofficial mods that provide this option.

9. How many babies can you be pregnant with in Sims 4?

You can have up to seven babies at once using cheats, but a Sim’s household is capped at eight members.

10. Can no caregiver breastfeed in Sims 4?

Both breastfeeding and bottle-feeding are available. If the caregiver Sim can’t produce breast milk, they can’t breastfeed.

11. Why can’t pregnant Sims age up in Sims 4?

Pregnant Sims can’t die, age, or experience life-changing events until they give birth.

12. How do you get rid of a baby in Sims 4 when pregnant?

There is no in-game option to abort a pregnancy. You can use a mod, roll back your save, or wait for the baby to be born and then ignore it until child protective services intervenes.

13. Can Sims have twins naturally in Sims 4?

Yes! There’s a chance of twins or triplets. Certain Traits or Lot Traits can help increase the odds.

14. How long is pregnancy in Sims 4?

Pregnancy lasts approximately three Sim days, regardless of the lifespan setting.

15. Can elders get pregnant in Sims 4?

Female Sims cannot get pregnant once they are Elders (or if they have 5 or fewer days left as an adult), but male Elder Sims can still impregnate adult female Sims.

Diving Deeper into Sims 4 Gameplay and Learning

The Sims series, including The Sims 4, provides a unique platform for exploring social dynamics, decision-making, and creative expression. The choices players make within the game can reflect real-world values and biases, offering a rich context for learning and discussion. The Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org explores the intersection of games and education, examining how games can be used to enhance learning and foster critical thinking skills.

Hopefully, these tips and troubleshooting steps will resolve the issue of your Sim being unable to pick up their baby! Happy Simming!