Adoption services have always been a part of The Sims franchise. It's a feature that's definitely been improved over time. When it was added with the first entry to the series, adoption was only possible through a random phone call, and it had too many restrictions. Now, with The Sims 4, it is much more versatile, and it has become even better with the release of the free Infant update. This guide will explain everything players need to know about adopting a child in The Sims 4 in every possible scenario, including the new Science Baby option.
How To Adopt A New Sim
Young Adults and older Sims can adopt a new child via their phone. The Sim can select the household tab and choose the Call Adoption Agency option. Then, they will have to select the Adopt a Child option - the same menu in which players can adopt a Dog or a Cat.
Random Sims will appear on-screen, and the player will have to choose which child their Sim will adopt - the ages will range from newborn to child. In total, adopting a Sim this way costs 1,000 Simoleons.
How To Adopt An Existing Sim
In The Sims 4, it is now possible to adopt an existing Sim. This new adoption feature came with the free Infants update, which differs from the Adopt as Care Dependent option.
Sims can adopt their partner's children if they're in a relationship, engaged, or married, and they must also live in the same household as the child. The Sim must either be an infant, a toddler, or a child to be eligible for adoption. If all of these requirements are met, then the Sim can adopt the child by interacting with them, entering the Friendly social tab, and selecting Adopt (Sim's name).
This is a great option for Sims that have decided to have a Science Baby or adopt a new Sim as a single parent but eventually find a partner they'd like to co-parent with.
Children of divorce, breakups, or deceased parents cannot be adopted by their stepparents, unfortunately. They can only be adopted as care dependents.
The Sims 4 is available now for PC, PS4, PS5, and Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S.