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Babies are sims too! Ideas to improve this lifestage.

bythedreadwolfbythedreadwolf Posts: 832 Member
edited September 2019 in The Sims 4 Ideas Corner
EDIT: Edited this post to make more sense in 2019.

We finally had some attention from the developers when it comes to family play. We got our beloved toddlers back, as well as packs like Parenthood which improves family gameplay a lot. But there's still a glaring issue for me, and that is the baby lifestage!

I love to decorate nurseries when my sims are pregnant. Granted, I have to use mostly CC because the game lacks baby objects, but I don't mind. What I do mind is that when the baby arrives, he/she pops into the bassinet and that's it, that's the baby lifestage for you. They stay there for the rest of their baby days and the nursery is just decor that will never be used. The current babies we have on the game are literally just another piece of furniture. As a player who loves to play with families and cherish every single lifestage, this is heartbreaking, just like it was when toddlers didn't exist.

Considering TS4's version of toddlers are a bit more grown up and independent than previous games (which I love!), I think it would be a great opportunity to have the babies a bit more fleshed out too and be a more meaningful lifestage. So here are my ideas!

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- New event: baby shower!
Oh, the joy of being pregnant and sharing that joy with your friends and family! I think a baby shower would make for a really fun and different event in the game.
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  • Guests: Everyone should be welcomed. Only females, the whole family, it's up to the player. Guests could come up to the pregnant sim, congratulate her, ask to feel the belly, etc.
  • Gifts: Similar to the pile of presents we have in the game already. Guests would leave a present on the pile when they arrive. Gifts could be anything from the "kids" category. When the pregnant sim decides to open the gifts, everyone could gather around to watch and go "aaww".
  • Other activities: A gender reveal balloon! This could be especially cute if we could do it with the father too, and it would be a great way to find out the gender of the baby.

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- Meaningful gameplay: learning how to sit up, roll and crawl.
Toddlers no longer crawl, so I miss having a little rascal crawling all around my sims' houses. I think this is the perfect opportunity to give babies more meaningful gameplay too, and have those little milestones that are so important in a person's life.
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  • Learning how to sit up: They could do this with the help of another sim on a baby mat, or on their own. It could be a hidden skill.
  • Learning how to crawl: Once they learn how to sit up, babies could try to roll over on their own and start to gain the crawling skill. Once they gain a few levels they could start to crawl away from the baby mat. Once they max the skill, there's no stopping them!
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- More baby furniture/objects and freedom to move the babies around!
I think we should, at the very least, have more options of where we can put the babies, instead of them always being glued to the bassinet. These could be great gifts for the baby shower too. ;)

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  • Baby mats: They could play with the hanging toys, move their little arms and legs around, chew on their foot, and sleep when they get tired. We could have a special baby mat (without the hanging toys) where babies could learn how sit up and crawl with or without the help of another sim.
  • "Sit-me-up" seats: They could use them once they learn how to sit up. They could play with toys around them and some seats could bounce around. They could also eat on them.
  • Baby swings: Kind of like the ones we had in TS3. Babies could also sleep in them and sims could come over and interact with them, playing peekaboo, for example.
  • Strollers: We could go for a walk around the neighborhood with the baby. Maybe walk the dog at the same time? If we encounter a family member or friend, they could coo at the baby on the stroller. We should also be able to travel to other lots with the baby on the stroller.
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- Let us take care of them.
It saddens me that babies barely need any attention. We can't give the little ones a bath and we have to change their diapers in the bassinet. Please fix that.

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  • Changing tables: It would be cute to have a few little interactions while changing the diapers, like kissing the baby's feet, tickle them and make them laugh, etc. This could work for toddlers too since it's weird seeing their diapers being changed while they are standing up.
  • Bath time: Instead of bathing them in the sink, there could be an option on the changing table to bathe them there on an infant tub. Sims could get a moodlet when they give their baby their first bath.
  • Rocking chair: A new object that would allow sims to sit down with the baby to feed them. I love that we have breastfeed in the game, but it bothers me that the sim does it standing. I really want a rocking chair where you can do this and also rock the baby to sleep and sing for them (it could also work for toddlers). It would be cute if a tired parent would fall asleep along with the baby.

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- More interactions with other sims.
We have a few with adult sims, but after a while they all feel like the same thing. We need more.

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  • With children and toddlers: Children should be able to interact more with the baby. Maybe ask the parent if they can hold the baby, and the parent would obviously help them. Children and toddlers could play peekaboo with babies, tickle them, kiss them, hug them, etc.
  • Between two sims: I loved that in past games when someone was holding a baby, another sim could come over and start playing with them. I really want both parents to be able to interact with the baby at the same time.

If you have ideas of your own, please share. :)
Post edited by bythedreadwolf on

Comments

  • Mstybl95Mstybl95 Posts: 5,883 Member
    Love everything you suggested!

    I would like to see babies be able to "grow" past the newborn phase.

    For example, I'd like for parents and siblings to have an interaction to teach them to sit up. I'd like to see them roll over and sit on their own. Wiggle on their bellies until they learn to crawl. Mimic sounds. Grasp a rattle. Learn to hold their own bottle or start to eat mush food.

    A lot happens in that first year. Things that have been so overlooked, but could add real play value to playing with this lifestages. It's not all about feeding and diapers and praying they nap...there is so much bonding that happens while you help infants progress from milestone to milestone.
  • SeaDragonSongSeaDragonSong Posts: 2,324 Member
    These are all great ideas!
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  • jheyjuneicejheyjuneice Posts: 335 Member
    Love these ideas!

    One thing I've always wanted is for the baby to be able to sleep in the parents bed with the parent instead of always being in a crib or bassinet. Would certainly save on space/cash.

    Another thing is some small detail but I know a lot of babies get happy when they see their parent, it would be so cute if the baby would react to seeing their parent like kicking, smiling, gurgling, etc.
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  • CandyBunnieCandyBunnie Posts: 52 Member
    Those are all great ideas, I really hope we can have this in our game, it would make playing with babies so much fun and cute. :)
  • SimalleyaileSimalleyaile Posts: 865 Member
    Aww, I need to give you more than one awesome!

    The pics you've chosen to illustrate your point are perfect. I especially love the baby mats. It would change the game dynamic completely if we could even move the baby from one object (the bassinet) to another - the floor mats. If they could be put in sims inventory even better - or moved with 'the hand' (the way dirty plates etc can be moved directly by the player). That way, we could move them all over the house without having to go into build mode.
  • griffin1842griffin1842 Posts: 255 Member
    While I'd love to have the babies unshackled from the bassinet, that's not the only thing wrong with them and I'd be happy with even a few small tweaks. Right now, babies aren't that cute. Compared to the other sims, they look...weird, almost blurry. Anyway, anything that could be done to make them cuter would be much appreciated. Also it would be nice if there were more options for bassinets. Just a few improvements, you know?

    That said, I'm all for being able to cuddle the baby on the couch, carry it around while doing stuff around the house, etc.
  • KayeStarKayeStar Posts: 6,715 Member
    Somehow, I'm extremely doubtful babies can be freed, let alone that they will.
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  • RoboSpongieRoboSpongie Posts: 1,042 Member
    Yes !!! I love these ideas !!! Sim babies should be free !
    = Sims Player for 17+ Years =
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  • bythedreadwolfbythedreadwolf Posts: 832 Member
    edited January 2017
    KayeStar wrote: »
    Somehow, I'm extremely doubtful babies can be freed, let alone that they will.

    They can. A guru said it's not impossible, just that it takes time or something along those lines. If someone has the quote maybe they can post it, I don't remember which guru said it and where.

    I think it's just a matter of enough people asking and EA making it a priority. Even if they don't want to spend time and resources freeing the babies, they can at least give us more objects for them.

    While I'd love to have the babies unshackled from the bassinet, that's not the only thing wrong with them and I'd be happy with even a few small tweaks. Right now, babies aren't that cute. Compared to the other sims, they look...weird, almost blurry. Anyway, anything that could be done to make them cuter would be much appreciated. Also it would be nice if there were more options for bassinets. Just a few improvements, you know?

    That said, I'm all for being able to cuddle the baby on the couch, carry it around while doing stuff around the house, etc.

    I agree. At least they have limbs and are more similar to TS2 babies than TS3, but I always thought something was off with them... I think they could've been more cute. Thankfully there's plenty of CC out there that makes babies really cute.

    tumblr_nw8cukRFoH1rs6jzuo2_1280.png

    Post edited by bythedreadwolf on
  • Sigzy05Sigzy05 Posts: 19,406 Member
    Love these! Also I want the option to change babies clothes. I want the "just a diaper" option also.
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  • Sigzy05Sigzy05 Posts: 19,406 Member
    Also OP these would be awesome to have back:

    latest?cb=20140714061329latest?cb=20130308150146
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  • bythedreadwolfbythedreadwolf Posts: 832 Member
    Sigzy05 wrote: »
    Also OP these would be awesome to have back:

    latest?cb=20140714061329latest?cb=20130308150146

    Yes! I mentioned mats, swings and sit-me-up seats but bouncers would be so cute as well. I want it all. :smiley:
  • AlienMunchkin7AlienMunchkin7 Posts: 20 Member
    for babies it would good if we could choose the clothes for babies and have babies stuff like real life :smile:
  • Emmely_BettineEmmely_Bettine Posts: 102 Member
    Wow this is a great idea. I love everything you suggested in OP.

    I really want the option to change baby clothes. Nothing fancy, but a variety of different colors. Beanie and socks too.

    A family member of mine got a baby 2 weeks ago, and she's got such a wardrobe already. So many cute outfits to put on a newborn.
    "Don't make people into heroes, John. Heroes don't exist and if they did I wouldn't be one of them." - Sherlock
  • bythedreadwolfbythedreadwolf Posts: 832 Member
    Where's all the people who want the babies improved at? There were so many of you out there but so few comments on here. I guess not many come to the Ideas Corner.. :disappointed:
  • shacoriashacoria Posts: 247 Member
    I think people are just tired of commenting on the same topics over and over again. We have said over and over that we want babies improved and that we want toddlers and what our suggestions would be. Now, I guess the only thing left to do is just wait and see if EA / Maxis listens to our ideas. No use talking about it over and over again. The same goes for toddlers. We have made a million topics about it, now all we can do is wait.
  • bythedreadwolfbythedreadwolf Posts: 832 Member
    edited January 2017
    shacoria wrote: »
    I think people are just tired of commenting on the same topics over and over again. We have said over and over that we want babies improved and that we want toddlers and what our suggestions would be. Now, I guess the only thing left to do is just wait and see if EA / Maxis listens to our ideas. No use talking about it over and over again. The same goes for toddlers. We have made a million topics about it, now all we can do is wait.

    I'm of the opinion that if we want something fixed/added, then we need to constantly talk about it. If all of a sudden we stop, then EA might think we are over it. I mean, the toddler thread got pinned in the discussion forum because people were still creating threads every day about wanting them back. It may or may not mean EA is finally listening to us, but they are at least doing something and showing some interest in our ideas.

    edit: and look at that! The devs were listening this whole time. There is hope!
    Post edited by bythedreadwolf on
  • DeidreMahanDeidreMahan Posts: 6 New Member
    Even though it's most likely never going to happen, wouldn't it be cool if babies could grow and develop like real babies each day before turning into a toddler? Day One would have your baby only able to do the things they can do currently,( Laying down, crying, being fed, cuddling.) with Day Two allowing your baby to flip over, wiggle around their crib, sit up with the help of a baby seat, giggle and laugh, and start to play alone with toys in their crib. Day Three is right before ageing up, and your baby would be able to sit up on their own, shakily pull themselves up to stand in their crib, play with toys, pee-a-boo, and reaching to be picked up.

    I think they could even get a bit bigger with every day like how pregnant women get bigger every day. Sorry if this is a bit unorganized, I suddenly thought of it and wanted to made sure I got it down before forgetting it. Too bad this would cost too much time and money, it would add a lot more realism to a baby's development and I would love to see the babies turn from newborns to 9 month olds before aging up into toddlers if they ever get here.
  • FallenPrinceFallenPrince Posts: 928 Member
    Yes, please! The babies need to be fixed. They are basically furniture atm.
  • bythedreadwolfbythedreadwolf Posts: 832 Member
    Even though it's most likely never going to happen, wouldn't it be cool if babies could grow and develop like real babies each day before turning into a toddler? Day One would have your baby only able to do the things they can do currently,( Laying down, crying, being fed, cuddling.) with Day Two allowing your baby to flip over, wiggle around their crib, sit up with the help of a baby seat, giggle and laugh, and start to play alone with toys in their crib. Day Three is right before ageing up, and your baby would be able to sit up on their own, shakily pull themselves up to stand in their crib, play with toys, pee-a-boo, and reaching to be picked up.

    I think they could even get a bit bigger with every day like how pregnant women get bigger every day. Sorry if this is a bit unorganized, I suddenly thought of it and wanted to made sure I got it down before forgetting it. Too bad this would cost too much time and money, it would add a lot more realism to a baby's development and I would love to see the babies turn from newborns to 9 month olds before aging up into toddlers if they ever get here.

    I get what you mean. :) I don't know about the baby growing each day, but I can see them having some sort of skill (kind of like toddlers learning how to walk) where they can learn how to sit up. They could try it on their own on cribs or mats, and there could be an interaction where parents would help them too. Once they learn how to sit up, they could use more objects like baby bouncers and sit-me-up seats.
  • KayeStarKayeStar Posts: 6,715 Member
    edited March 2016
    KayeStar wrote: »
    Somehow, I'm extremely doubtful babies can be freed, let alone that they will.

    They can. A guru said it's not impossible, just that it takes time or something along those lines. If someone has the quote maybe they can post it, I don't remember which guru said it and where.

    I think it's just a matter of enough people asking and EA making it a priority. Even if they don't want to spend time and resources freeing the babies, they can at least give us more objects for them.

    While I'd love to have the babies unshackled from the bassinet, that's not the only thing wrong with them and I'd be happy with even a few small tweaks. Right now, babies aren't that cute. Compared to the other sims, they look...weird, almost blurry. Anyway, anything that could be done to make them cuter would be much appreciated. Also it would be nice if there were more options for bassinets. Just a few improvements, you know?

    That said, I'm all for being able to cuddle the baby on the couch, carry it around while doing stuff around the house, etc.

    I agree. At least they have limbs and are more similar to TS2 babies than TS3, but I always thought something was off with them... I think they could've been more cute. Thankfully there's plenty of CC out there that makes babies really cute. And it's sad that once again, it's simmers who have to make the game better instead of EA.

    tumblr_nw8cukRFoH1rs6jzuo2_1280.png

    tumblr_nwb6qwzKB01rs6jzuo2_1280.png

    tumblr_nw7pvvT42f1rs6jzuo1_1280.png
    How do you do this?! This would make babies a little (just a little) better for me.
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  • bythedreadwolfbythedreadwolf Posts: 832 Member
    KayeStar wrote: »
    How do you do this?! This would make babies a little (just a little) better for me.

    It's a baby skin override. This creator has multiple ones for girls and boys:

    http://budgie2budgie.tumblr.com/tagged/ts4-dl-baby-clothes

    They have the best baby skins, in my opinion, but if you search on google, there are a lot more out there.
  • NetteNette Posts: 205 Member
    I love it! I would also like to see more sibling specific interactions between all ages, like maybe "talk about childhood" or an older sibling could fuss your hair and things like that. Family is completely missing in ts4. I miss the sleepovers and story telling, and all the child specific cool furnitures like sandboxes and bunker beds.
    One thing that bothers me above all is that time and effort into learning is completely wasted when the kid grows up. No skill in athletic or dancing even if I've moved to music three hours a day, not even a hidden skill.
  • crazycat_135crazycat_135 Posts: 1,349 Member
    Is it even possible for them to detach babies from their cribs?
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