How to Adopt in The Sims 4: Your Guide to Growing Your Sim Family

The Sims 4 offers a vast array of life simulation possibilities, and for many players, one of the most heartwarming and fulfilling is starting or expanding their family through adoption. Whether you dream of nurturing a toddler, guiding a child through their formative years, or welcoming a teen into your household, adopting in The Sims 4 is a rewarding experience. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the adoption process, from preparing your household to the joyous arrival of your new family member, ensuring you have all the knowledge to make your adoption dreams a reality in the digital world.

Preparing Your Sims Household for Adoption

Before you can even think about welcoming a little one into your Sim’s life, it’s crucial to ensure your household is ready to provide a stable and loving environment. The Sims 4, much like real life, emphasizes the importance of a suitable home and the well-being of your existing Sims.

Assessing Your Household’s Readiness

The first and most important step is to honestly assess your current Sim household.

Existing Sims’ Traits and Aspirations: Consider the traits and aspirations of your existing Sims. Are they nurturing? Do they have aspirations related to family or raising children? While any Sim can adopt, Sims with traits like “Family-Oriented,” “Good,” or “Nurturing” might find the process and parenthood more naturally fulfilling. Their existing aspirations will also guide their interactions and goals related to their new child.
Financial Stability: Raising a child requires resources. Ensure your household has a stable income and enough Simoleons to cover the costs of nursery items, food, toys, and potentially a larger living space. While the game doesn’t have strict income requirements for adoption, a financially strained household will undoubtedly make caring for a child more challenging. Consider upgrading your Sim’s career or starting a profitable home business.
Living Space: A new child will need a place to sleep, play, and grow. Does your current home have adequate space? You’ll likely need to dedicate a room for a nursery or a child’s bedroom. This might involve expanding your house, redecorating existing rooms, or even moving to a larger lot altogether. Think about future needs as the child grows into different life stages.
Household Size Limits: Remember that The Sims 4 has a household size limit of 8 Sims per household (including pets). If your household is already close to this limit, you’ll need to make space for an adopted Sim. This might involve moving out an existing Sim or carefully planning your household composition.

Creating a Welcoming Environment

Once you’ve assessed your household’s readiness, it’s time to physically prepare your home for the new arrival.

Nursery Essentials: A dedicated nursery space is highly recommended. This typically includes a crib, a changing table, and a toy chest. You can also add a rocking chair for soothing, a mobile for the crib, and decorative items like wall art and rugs to make the space feel cozy.
Child’s Bedroom: As your adopted Sim grows, they will transition from a crib to a toddler bed and eventually a child’s bed. Having a designated bedroom ready, complete with toys, bookshelves, and art supplies, will make this transition smoother.
Toddler and Child Needs: Ensure you have toddler essentials like a high chair for mealtimes and a potty training chair. For older children, think about desks for homework, art tables, and areas for imaginative play.
High Chairs: Crucial for toddler feeding.
Toys and Books: Essential for development and skill-building.
Decorative Items: Personalize the space to make it feel like home.

The Adoption Process: Step-by-Step

Adopting in The Sims 4 is a straightforward process initiated through your Sim’s SimPhone. The game offers options for adopting babies, toddlers, and children.

Initiating the Adoption Call

Your Sim can initiate the adoption process at any time by accessing their SimPhone.

Access the SimPhone: Click on your active Sim to bring up their SimPhone interface.
Navigate to the “Household” or “Work” Tab: The exact location might vary slightly depending on game updates, but typically you’ll find the adoption option under a tab related to household management or career. Look for an icon that resembles a phone or a family tree.
Select “Adopt”: Within the relevant tab, you will find the “Adopt” option. Clicking this will present you with the choice of adopting a baby, toddler, or child.
Choose the Age Group:
- Adopt Baby: This will result in a newborn Sim being added to your household.
- Adopt Toddler: This will bring a toddler Sim into your family.
- Adopt Child: This will result in a child Sim joining your household.

The Wait and the Arrival

Once you’ve made your selection, the adoption agency will be notified. There will be a waiting period before the new Sim arrives.

Waiting Period: The game doesn’t specify an exact in-game time, but typically, the adopted Sim will arrive within a few Sim days. You’ll receive a notification when the adoption is confirmed and the child is on their way.
Random Assignment: The adopted Sim’s gender, appearance, and initial traits are randomly generated by the game. While you can’t choose specific traits or appearances beforehand, you can influence the outcome by having Sims with certain traits in the household or by using mods if you prefer more control.
The Arrival: On the day of arrival, you’ll receive another notification. The adopted Sim will appear outside your Sim’s home, usually accompanied by an adoption agency representative. This is when the adventure of parenthood truly begins!

Raising Your Adopted Sim

Welcoming a new member into your family is just the beginning. The true joy and challenge lie in raising them through their various life stages.

Caring for a Newborn Baby

The initial period with a newborn is demanding, requiring constant attention and care.

Basic Needs: Newborns have several critical needs: Hunger, Bladder, Hygiene, Energy, and Fun. These will be displayed on their Simology panel.
Feeding: You’ll need to feed the baby using a bottle or by placing them in a high chair once they are old enough for solid food. Keep a close eye on their hunger meter to prevent them from becoming distressed.
Diaper Changes: A crucial aspect of newborn care is changing their diaper. This is done on a changing table. A dirty diaper will quickly lead to a low hygiene need and a very unhappy baby.
Soothing and Comfort: Newborns often cry. You can soothe them by picking them up, rocking them in a rocking chair, or playing with them. Pay attention to their moodlets to understand the cause of their distress.
Development: While you can’t directly control a newborn’s skill development, they will naturally gain some experience through interactions.

Nurturing a Toddler

Once your baby ages up into a toddler, a whole new world of interaction and development opens up. Toddlers require a different set of care and attention.

Toddler Needs: Toddlers have similar needs to babies, but with some additions. They still need Hunger, Bladder, Hygiene, Energy, and Fun. However, their “Social” need becomes more prominent, and they also develop a “Potty” need.
Mobility and Independence: Toddlers can walk, talk, and interact with their environment much more. They will want to explore and play.
Skill Development: Toddlers have four key skills to develop: Communication, Imagination, Movement, and Potty.
- Communication: Developed by talking with other Sims and playing with toys like talking boxes.
- Imagination: Developed by playing with toys like dollhouses and building blocks.
- Movement: Developed by walking, running, and playing with toys like balls.
- Potty: Developed by using the potty chair. This is a crucial skill to master before they age up to a child.
Feeding: Toddlers can be fed from a high chair or given snacks.
Playtime: Engaging toddlers in play is vital for their development and happiness. Toys, books, and interactions with other Sims will fulfill their Fun and Social needs.
Potty Training: Successfully potty training your toddler is essential for their transition to childhood. This requires patience and consistent effort.
Toddler Traits: When a toddler ages up into a child, they will receive a toddler trait based on their development and experiences. This trait will influence their personality and gameplay.

Guiding a Child

As your adopted Sim becomes a child, their world expands further with school, homework, and developing broader social skills.

Child Needs: Children still have Hunger, Bladder, Hygiene, Energy, and Fun needs, but their Social need is generally easier to fulfill through school and playmates. Their “Attention” need can also be considered, as they benefit from parental guidance and interaction.
School: Children will attend school every day. Their performance is influenced by their homework completion and their mood when they leave for school. Good grades can lead to rewards and better career opportunities later in life.
Homework: Completing homework is crucial for academic success. Ensure your child has a desk and dedicate time for them to do their assignments.
Skill Development: Children can develop various skills, including Creativity, Mental, Motor, and Social. Encourage them to explore hobbies, play games, and interact with others.
Aspirations: Children can also start working towards their childhood aspirations, which will provide them with rewards and guide their future life choices.
Social Interactions: Children learn a lot through social interactions with family members and friends. Encourage them to make friends and participate in social activities.

Adopting Older Sims: Teens

The Sims 4 also allows you to adopt teenagers, offering a different but equally rewarding experience.

The Process for Adopting a Teen

The process for adopting a teen is similar to adopting a baby or toddler, initiated through the SimPhone.

SimPhone Adoption: Navigate to the “Adopt” option on your SimPhone.
Select “Adopt Child”: While the game often groups teens under the “Adopt Child” category, the game mechanics will sometimes generate a teenager if the circumstances are right or through specific game packs. Some players report the option to adopt a teenager directly appearing if their household has available space and meets certain criteria, while others may need to rely on specific in-game events or mods. It’s generally understood that selecting “Adopt Child” can sometimes result in a teenager arriving, especially if you are adopting into a household that already has older children.
Teen Arrival: Similar to younger children, a teenager will arrive at your Sim’s home after a waiting period.

Life with an Adopted Teen

Teenagers bring their own unique set of challenges and joys.

Teen Needs: Teens have similar needs to children but with increased social and emotional complexity. Their Energy, Hunger, Fun, Social, and Hygiene needs are all important.
School and Future Planning: Teens attend high school, and their performance here significantly impacts their future career options and aspirations. Encourage them to study, do homework, and participate in extracurricular activities.
Teen Aspirations: Teens can work towards specific teen aspirations that focus on social, academic, or creative pursuits.
Rebellion and Independence: Teens are often looking for more independence. They might sneak out, have arguments with parents, or develop their own interests that may not align with your Sim’s expectations.
Skill Development: Teens can develop a wider range of skills compared to children, including Logic, Charisma, Fitness, and various creative skills.
Relationships: Building relationships with peers and family members is crucial for a teen’s development.

Tips for Successful Adoption and Parenthood

Adopting is more than just clicking a button; it’s about embracing the responsibility and joy of parenthood.

Patience is Key: Raising children, whether biological or adopted, requires immense patience. There will be sleepless nights, tantrums, and challenging moments. Remember to stay calm and handle situations with care.
Quality Time: Spend quality time with your adopted Sim. Read them stories, play with them, talk to them, and attend their school events. The more attention and love you provide, the happier and more well-adjusted they will become.
Nurture Skills: Actively help your adopted Sim develop their skills. Whether it’s by buying them toys, taking them to classes, or practicing with them, your guidance is invaluable.
Manage Needs Effectively: Keep a close eye on your adopted Sim’s needs. A Sim with fulfilled needs is a happy Sim. Learn to anticipate their needs before they become critical.
Utilize Childcare (if applicable): If you have multiple children or a demanding career, consider hiring a Nanny for younger children to ensure they receive adequate care.
**Celebrate Milestones: Acknowledge and celebrate your adopted Sim’s birthdays and achievements. This reinforces their sense of belonging and importance in the family.
Embrace the Randomness: The Sims 4 thrives on randomness. While you can prepare, accept that your adopted Sim will have their own personality and quirks. Embrace them and enjoy the unique journey of raising them.
Consider Family Traits: Sims with the “Family-Oriented” trait often receive mood boosts when interacting with children, making parenthood more enjoyable.
Household Dynamics: Ensure that existing Sims in the household are generally positive towards children and the idea of expansion. Conflicts between Sims can impact the adopted child’s well-being.

Adopting in The Sims 4 is a deeply rewarding experience that adds another layer of emotional depth and gameplay. By preparing your household, understanding the process, and dedicating time and love to your adopted Sim, you can create a beautiful and fulfilling family story. So, go ahead, pick up that SimPhone, and welcome a new member into your Sim family today!

How do I initiate the adoption process for my Sim?

To begin the adoption process, your Sim needs to have a phone. Once they have a phone, they can access the “Hire a Service” option. Within this menu, you will find the “Adopt” option. Selecting “Adopt” will trigger a phone call from an adoption agency, and you will then be presented with a choice between adopting a baby or a child.

After selecting the type of adoption, the game will present you with a random Sim child or baby that will be added to your household. The age and traits of the adopted Sim are entirely randomized. There is no direct way to influence the characteristics of the Sim you adopt through gameplay mechanics, beyond the initial choice of baby or child.

Can I adopt multiple Sims at once in The Sims 4?

Yes, you can adopt multiple Sims at once in The Sims 4. If your Sim desires to expand their family further and has the means to support more children, they can initiate the adoption process again. Each adoption attempt will result in a new random Sim being added to your household, whether it’s a baby or a child, based on your previous selection.

However, it is important to consider the household size limit. A standard Sims 4 household can accommodate up to 8 Sims, including infants, children, teens, young adults, adults, and elders. If your household is nearing this limit, you will not be able to adopt another Sim until the household size is reduced.

What are the requirements for a Sim to be eligible for adoption?

For a Sim to be eligible for adoption, they must be at least a young adult and have a stable living situation, meaning they need to have a home. The adopting Sim or Sims must also possess sufficient funds to support a new family member, although the game doesn’t explicitly track an “adoption fee.” The primary requirement is having a functional household with adequate space.

There are no specific career or skill requirements for the adopting Sim. However, it’s advisable for the household to have enough beds and a generally positive environment to ensure the well-being of all Sims, including the newly adopted one. The game focuses more on the presence of a home and the capacity to care for another Sim.

Can I adopt a toddler or a teen in The Sims 4?

Currently, the base game of The Sims 4 only allows adoption of either babies or children. When you use the “Adopt” option on the phone, you are presented with the choice between these two age groups. There is no direct gameplay mechanic within the base game to adopt a toddler or a teen.

While you cannot adopt these age groups directly, it is possible for a baby or child that you adopt to age up into a toddler or teen naturally over time. Similarly, if you are playing with mods, some custom content or mods may introduce the ability to adopt toddlers or teens, but this is not a feature of the unmodded game.

What happens after my Sim adopts a baby or child?

Once your Sim has adopted a baby or child, the new Sim will be immediately added to your household. You will then have full control over this new family member. You can direct them to perform actions, manage their needs, and integrate them into your Sim’s daily life and family dynamics. The adopted Sim will have their own unique traits and a name assigned by the game, unless you choose to rename them.

The adopted Sim will behave like any other Sim in your household. They will eat, sleep, use the bathroom, socialize, and go to school or work if applicable to their age. You can build relationships with them, teach them skills, and help them achieve their aspirations, just as you would with a biologically born Sim.

Can I adopt a Sim if my household is already full?

No, you cannot adopt a Sim if your household is already at its maximum capacity. The Sims 4 has a household limit of 8 Sims, which includes all age groups from infants to elders. If your current household already contains 8 Sims, you will not be able to initiate the adoption process until the household size is reduced.

To adopt a new Sim when your household is full, you will need to either move one or more of your existing Sims out into a new household or have one of your Sims pass away. Once there is available space in the household, you will be able to successfully adopt another baby or child.

Are there any specific traits or skills that improve the adoption process?

The Sims 4’s adoption system is primarily driven by chance and does not directly reward specific Sim traits or skills for the adopting Sim. While certain traits might influence a Sim’s ability to care for children (like the “Family-Oriented” trait), these do not unlock special adoption options or guarantee specific types of adopted Sims. The process itself is straightforward and doesn’t require any pre-existing skills.

However, having a well-rounded household with Sims who have high “Parenting” skills (introduced in the “Parenthood” Game Pack) can significantly improve the experience of raising children, including adopted ones. High parenting skill can lead to better interactions, more positive moodlets, and greater success in guiding a child’s development, making the overall family experience more rewarding.