Since The Sims 4 was first released, a common complaint was that babies were essentially objects. They are restricted to their bassinets and have limited options for interacting with other Sims and the world around them. However, the Sims teams freed the babies with a life stage called Infants that came in a base game update on March 14, 2023.
While babies are still technically trapped, they are now called Newborns and will age into Infants. Infants present their own challenges and triumphs for family-oriented players and add a whole new level of gameplay features. So, this guide has everything players need to know about Infants in The Sims 4.
Updated on August 4, 2023, by Taylor Pittman: Infants are a huge addition to The Sims 4, and players get to enjoy a different life stage and era of fulfillment for their parent Sims. While the base game Infants have tons of features, some things may feel lacking for those who want the complete Infant experience, including learning how to move and see the world for the first time. So, this article has been updated to include more Infant gameplay, including some of the main features from Growing Together.
What Are Infants
Infants are the age range between Newborns and Toddlers in The Sims 4. They represent the early months of development, including learning how to crawl, eating solid foods, and communicating. While Infants share some similarities to Toddlers, they are significantly less independent, and Sims will have to assist them through almost all actions and take care of their basic needs.
Infants are experiencing everything for the first time, which is reflected in their moodlets. They will also form attachments if well cared for, but if they feel neglected, they won’t have attachments. Infant’s level of care dictates which of the following three traits they are automatically rewarded when they age into a Toddler:
- Happy Infant
- Top Notch
- Unhappy Infant
Infant Traits
There are 6 traits that players can choose from for their Infants. These traits all reflect the different behavior seen in babies, and some are easier to manage, while others have difficult tendencies. See below for a list of all Infant traits:
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Icon |
In-Game Description |
|---|---|
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These Sims like to watch the world, are less likely to cry or become angry, and don’t grow tired of activities as easily as other infants; however, they are less likely to explore the world on their own. |
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These Sims appreciate the familiar but are slow to warm up to new experiences, locations, and Sims. |
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These Sims have big emotions and are easily entertained, but they are also more difficult to calm when in a bad mood. |
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These Sims are always on the go and want to play and move about; however, they often struggle to fall asleep or pay attention for extended periods of time. |
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These Sims are prone to diaper rash, are often picky with food, and can more easily become overstimulated y too much play and social interaction; however, they also rest more peacefully through the night when soothed. |
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These Sims are bursting with smiles and giggles and enjoy engaging with other Sims, but they do require more social attention. |
How to Get an Infant
Infants are just like any life stage, with the exception of Newborns, and can be made in Create-A-Sim (CAS). Infants can be fully customized with Infant hair, skin details, clothes, and accessories. In addition, players can select their trait, choose their names, and set any other information in CAS.
Of course, players can also have their Sims get pregnant by using the “Try for Baby” interaction with a romantic interest and age up their Newborn, but this process takes longer. An alternative that came with the Infant update is the new interaction “Have A Science Baby,” and get a Newborn instantly. Sims can have a science baby with any Sim as long as they have a good friendship with them, or have a science baby as a single parent.
Base Game Infant Gameplay
The Infant update added several new gameplay interactions and items for Infants. Sims can help their bundles of joy try new things and take on the world to the best of their ability. They also have nursery essentials that suit all Infants’ needs and wants and help Sims prepare to raise them.
Cribs
Cribs, like Infants, are right between bassinets and toddler beds in shape and size. They are enclosed sleeping areas that keep Infants safe and sound for as long as they allow their parents to. Players have access to multiple crib designs, including one that can be upgraded (and reverted) into a toddler bed, so it ages naturally with their Infant. There is also a traveling crib that Sims can keep in their inventory and take with them on the go.
Infants need much more sleep than Toddlers and Children, so having a crib is important. Infants with certain traits have a harder time falling asleep, so Sims may have to help them by soothing them to sleep or using the mobile upgrade to play a lullaby. They can also try telling them bedtime stories to get them to sleep.
Tasting New Foods
One part of Infancy is transitioning from milk or formula to solid food. Sims can help Infants try different baby foods using a highchair. Infants can like or dislike certain foods; each has tastes and preferences. In addition, another feature added with the update is the ability to set a feeding preference for bottle feeding or breastfeeding. For Sims with picky eaters, that may be the way to go if they are having trouble finding food their Infant enjoys.
See below for a list of all the different baby food options:
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Icon |
Baby Food |
In-Game Description |
|---|---|---|
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Applesauce |
Soft, watery, and mashed with a tart but sweet palate. |
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Mashed Mango |
Juicy and creamy with a tropical floral flavor. |
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Yogurt |
Smooth and creamy with a subtly sweet and sour taste. |
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Mashed Peas |
Thick and mushy with a sweet yet savory taste. |
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Crushed Carrots |
Fluffy with an earthy sweetness. |
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Smashed Avocado |
Smooth and buttery with an earthy flavor. |
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Papaya Paste |
Creamy with a buttery texture and faintly sweet flavor. |
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Ice Cream |
Cold, creamy, and sugary-sweet treat! |
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Rice Porridge |
Smooth, runny, and bland for baby. |
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Pumpkin Puree |
Creamy and thick with a pumpkin fresh flavor. |
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Smashed Lemon |
Oooo! Sour! |
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Homemade Humus |
Creamy and thick with a rich, garlicky flavor. |
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Oatmeal Cereal |
Smooth and lumpy with a sweet and somewhat nutty palate. |
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Sweet Potato Puree |
Creamy and buttery with a sweet but earthy flavor. |
Infant Interactions
Infants are mostly helpless but have more mobility than Newborns and will crawl wherever they can. They also love mischief and will tear things up or play with items they shouldn’t, like the toilet and trash can. Luckily, Sims can “Baby Proof” their doors and set up baby gates for places they don’t want their Infant exploring.
Infants can interact with most things in the world, including Pets from the Cats and Dogs Expansion pack, other Infants, Toddlers, and Children. Most Infants love to play and show affection, so players can enjoy trying out all the cute animations. While the base game includes a lot for Infants, their gameplay is expanded even more with the Growing Together Expansion pack.
Growing Together Infant Gameplay
Growing Together is the franchise’s thirteenth Expansion pack and focuses heavily on family gameplay, including relationships, achievements, and growth. Infants gain many activities and features with Growing Together that highlight the highs and lows of discovering the world for the first time through Milestones and Quirks.
Infant Milestones
Milestones track and represent Infant growth as they perform tasks, learn movements and concepts, and interact with the world around them. Milestones happen almost daily, and the more players achieve, the better off their Infants will be once they age into a Toddler. There are five categories that Milestones will fall under:
- Fine Motor
- Gross Motor
- Firsts
- Life
- Social
Each category represents an experience or moment of growth that Infants will go through with the help of their parents or by themselves. Motor skills include things like learning to reach, sit up, crawl, or grab items. Keeping many Infant toys around is the best way to increase motor skills. Social follows things such as learning to laugh, smile, and coo. Players will unlock Milestones naturally as they interact with Infants and teach them things.
Infant Quirks
Infant Quirks are similar to Werewolf Temperaments from The Sims 4: Werewolves. Quirks are personality traits assigned randomly to Infants, affecting their overall behavior and emotions. There are 19 possible Infant Quirks available, and Infants can have up to three Quirks at a time. See below for a full list of all the Infant Quirks:
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Quirk |
Description |
|---|---|
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Early Riser |
These infants like to wake up at sunrise. |
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Feeding Tinkler |
These infants are likely to pee on their caregivers while being fed. |
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Free-Air Tinkler |
These infants are likely to pee on their caregivers during diaper changes. |
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Frequently Hiccups |
These infants are more likely to have hiccups. |
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Frequently Sneezes |
These infants are more likely to sneeze. |
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Gassy |
These infants have stomach issues which cause them to be fussy. |
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Good Appetite |
These infants aren’t picky and will eat most foods |
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Happy Spitter |
These infants are more likely to spit out their food while eating. |
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Hates Bedtime |
These infants have trouble going to sleep. |
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Hates Being Held |
These infants don’t like to be held. |
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Hates Wakeup Time |
These infants usually wake up in a bad mood. |
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Little Babbler |
These infants are constantly making noise and babbling. |
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Loves Being Held |
These infants like to be held and get upset when put down. |
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Loves Sounds |
These infants enjoy music, tv, and other noises. |
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Loves Wake-Up Time |
These infants usually wake up in a good mood. |
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Messy Eater |
These infants make messes when eating. |
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Picky Eater |
These infants don’t like most foods and get upset when they eat something they don’t like. |
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Self-Soother |
These infants are able to calm themselves down when upset. |
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Snuggly Sleeper |
These infants will only fall asleep easily if held or in a back carrier. |
Infant Activities in Growing Together
Growing Together has several items giving Infants more activities and gameplay options. These include a play mat, changing tables, and back carriers.
The play mat is essential for Infants to gain certain Milestones, refill their own social and fun needs, or even as a resting place. If a Sim puts an Infant in the play mat, it will stay there, similar to how they sit in cribs. There are toys and other interactive items on the play mat for Infants to enjoy.
The back carrier is a way for Sims to stay active while holding their Infants. Sims can take walks, go jogging, or do household tasks without worrying about leaving their Infant behind. Some Infants also prefer sleeping in back carriers, so it is beneficial for Sims to have one in many ways.
Finally, changing tables allows Sims to change their Infant and Toddler’s clothes and diapers. There are several designs, including a wall-mounted table. Infants will also earn some Milestones with the changing table. Players can also attack a trash bin on the table for Sims to automatically throw away diapers rather than putting them on the floor.
The Sims 4 is available on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.