How to Adopt a Kid in the Sims 3

Last Updated: May 6, 2021

On The Sims 3, sometimes it's just easier to adopt a child rather than conceive one yourself as unlike trying for a baby, there's no three-day waiting period. This may be because of commitment issues in your Sims, a lack of relationship, because your Sims are in a same-sex relationship, or just because you're impatient for your Sim to get pregnant and give birth. Adoption is easy and simple, and you'll know how after reading this article!

Steps

1
Locate your Sims cell phone. Every Sim you have/create from the age of a child and upwards will have their own cell phone, free-of-charge. This can be located when clicking on your Sims and the Cell Phone button or going to your Sims inventory and clicking on the image of a cell phone.
2
Call for services. This is an option which is given to you on your cell phone. When you click on the option, wait until your Sim finishes talking and then a tab should appear. The tab should have various options from ordering a pizza to calling the police. For this article you will want to choose Adopt a Child which is simple and free.

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3
Fill out the simple form. Here is where you will need to select an age and gender. You can choose from a baby, a toddler and a child. Babies need more care and attention whilst toddlers more independence, but still require feeding and nappy changes like babies do. Children are completely independent.
4
Set up a room. You'll need to set up a bedroom for the new baby, toddler or child. The bedroom should be fairly big so that you can fit all the necessary furniture inside. For a baby and toddler you'll need a crib for them to sleep in, some toys for their fun, a high chair to feed them in and possibly a potty chair too. Children only need a bed to sleep in and toys for fun.
5
Decide on a name. When the baby arrives a Sim will give it to you in a basket whilst a toddler is held and a child will walk into the house on their own. From there you will need to decide on a name for the new family member. After naming your child you are done. Make sure the new member fits in well!

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Community Q&A

Question

Is the adoption process in Sims 3 the same on a tablet and a computer?

Community Answer

It depends on the device. For example, on Android you currently can't have babies at all. If you're on iOS, The Sims 3 Ambitions offers the ability to adopt a baby. On PC, you can have babies and adopt.
Question

How do I adopt a child on Sims Pets 3?

Community Answer

It is same for every expansion pack. Use a phone and choose "call for services" - just like in this tutorial.
Question

Where is the baby after you adopt it from the agency?

Community Answer

It should come in a basket when the social worker/adoption person comes inside.
Question

My sims in Sims 3 can't have children or adopt. How can I get them a kid?

Community Answer

Try becoming friends with a child sim and inviting them to your sims' house without the parents. Make them a nice room where they can live. When you aren't interacting with the child or when the child is about to leave, get rid of the door to trap them in. Its kind of mean, but it's the only way you can do it.
Question

Can I choose the baby I will adopt?

Community Answer

Not exactly. You can customize them afterward, and if you get a baby, you can add your preferred traits.
Question

How do I adopt a baby if I'm using the Sims Android app?

Community Answer

You can't adopt babies in the Android app. If you are using IOS, you can get the app "The Sims 3 Ambitions," and it has an adopting option once you have a boyfriend.
Question

After an adoption in Sims 3, when will the child arrive?

Community Answer

Only a minute or two. If it's a toddler, the agency handler should bring the baby or child in with the basket.
Question

What happens if the social worker never shows up in the Sims 3?

Community Answer

Nothing, you probably just need to try again. If a teen lives by themselves, they cannot adopt.
Question

Can I adopt a baby if I'm dating a person of the same sex?

Community Answer

Yes, you can.
Question

What happens if I don't have an option to call the services?

Community Answer

Typically, you will have the option. Try restarting the game. If this fails, see if your game needs an update and seek help.

Warnings

If you do not take care of the baby it will be taken away by social services and you won't be able to adopt for a long time.

Thanks!
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