Introduction
This Tomodachi Life baby and family guide explains how married Miis start a family. After the wedding, couples may ask you about having a child. The baby grows up, develops a personality, and eventually becomes a full resident of your island.
Understanding how families work adds a new layer to your island’s drama. By the end of this guide, you will know how to encourage couples to have babies, how children grow, and what happens when they become adults.
How Babies Happen – The Stork Arrives
In Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream, babies do not appear through traditional means. Instead, a married couple will approach you with a question: “Should we have a baby?”
The Baby Request Event
- Happens randomly after a couple has been married for at least one week (real time)
- Both Miis must be happy (green mood indicator)
- The couple must have space in their home (one extra room)
When the event triggers, you have two choices:
| Choice | Result |
|---|---|
| Say yes | A stork delivers a baby the next day |
| Say no | Couple remains childless. They may ask again later |
If you say yes, the next morning a stork appears over their house. A baby girl or boy (random gender) is added to the family.
(For how couples form in the first place, see our Tomodachi Life relationships and marriage guide.)
Same-Sex Couples and Adoption
Same-sex married couples can also have children. The game calls it “a special delivery from the stork.”
- The process is identical to different-sex couples
- The baby inherits physical traits from both parents (random mix)
- Adoption is not explicitly mentioned; the stork brings the baby
This feature ensures that all married couples, regardless of gender, can experience parenthood on your island.
Baby Development Stages
Babies in Tomodachi Life go through several stages before becoming independent residents.
| Stage | Duration | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Newborn | 3 days | Stays in crib. Parents care for it. |
| Crawling | 4 days | Moves around the house. Makes babbling sounds. |
| Toddler | 5 days | Walks. Says first words. Can be picked up. |
| Child | 7 days | Goes to school (off-screen). Has a favorite toy. |
| Teen | 7 days | Develops a personality. May get a part-time job. |
| Young Adult | Permanent | Becomes a full resident. Can move out and get married. |
Total time from newborn to young adult: approximately 26 days (real time). You cannot speed this up.
Interacting with Babies and Children
You cannot directly control babies, but you can interact with them:
- Pick them up – Carry them around the island
- Give them gifts – Toys, clothes, or food
- Sing to them – Changes their mood
- Take photos – Save memories to your album
Children (ages child and teen) have more interactions:
- Ask you for advice on friends
- Request specific toys or clothes
- Develop crushes on other children
- Argue with parents
Happy children grow up faster. Unhappy children may have moody teen years.
Inherited Traits – What Babies Get from Parents
Babies randomly inherit physical features from both parents:
| Trait | Inherited From |
|---|---|
| Eye shape | One parent (random) |
| Eye color | Blend of both |
| Hair color | One parent or blend |
| Hair style | Random (new) |
| Face shape | One parent |
| Skin tone | Blend |
| Voice pitch | Blend |
Personality traits are not inherited. Each child develops randomly. You can have a shy child from two outgoing parents.
(For creating parents with specific looks, see our Tomodachi Life Mii creation guide.)
When Children Become Adults
Once a child reaches young adult stage (around day 26), they become a full resident. This means:
- They get their own house (you can choose location)
- They can get a job (options include doctor, chef, artist, etc.)
- They can fall in love and marry
- They can have their own children
You can move them out of their parents’ house or keep them there. Adult children living with parents may cause funny roommate drama.
Family Dynamics and Drama
Families in Tomodachi Life are not always harmonious. Expect:
- Parent-teen arguments about curfew or chores
- Sibling rivalries (if parents have multiple children)
- Jealousy if parents favor one child
- Moving out drama when adult children leave
You can intervene by giving advice or gifts. Or let the drama play out – it is often hilarious.
Multiple Children
A couple can have more than one baby. After the first child becomes a toddler, they may ask for another. Maximum children per couple is three.
Each child goes through the same development stages. Siblings may become best friends or bitter enemies.
Real-World Applications
Scenario A: Building a Multi-Generational Island
You want your island to have grandparents, parents, and children. Start with one couple. Have them have a baby. When that baby becomes an adult, have them marry another adult Mii. Repeat. Within two months, you can have three generations living together.
Scenario B: Creating a Legacy Family
You have a favorite Mii couple. You want their child to become the island’s leader. Give the child extra attention: gifts, advice, and positive interactions. As a teen, give them a job. As an adult, help them find a spouse. Their children will inherit the legacy.
Scenario C: Orphan Drama (No Parents)
If both parents somehow leave the island (delete or move out), their child becomes an orphan. The game assigns a random adult Mii as a guardian. This can create interesting adoption stories.
Common Baby and Family Mistakes
Mistake #1: Saying no to baby requests too often. Couples may stop asking if you refuse multiple times.
Mistake #2: Ignoring children’s needs. Unhappy children grow slower and may develop negative personality traits.
Mistake #3: Letting too many families have babies. With a 70 Mii limit, population control matters. (See our 70 Mii limit guide for management tips.)
Mistake #4: Expecting instant adulthood. Baby stages take real-time weeks. Be patient.
FAQ About Babies and Families
Can same-sex couples have biological children?
The game does not specify biology. The stork delivers the baby. For gameplay purposes, same-sex couples can have children exactly like different-sex couples.
What happens if both parents die or are deleted?
Parents cannot die in Tomodachi Life. They can be deleted (removed from the island). If both are deleted, the child becomes an orphan and a random adult guardian is assigned.
Can adult children marry their siblings?
No. The game prevents incest. Siblings cannot fall in love or marry.
How do I speed up a baby’s growth?
You cannot. Development happens in real time. Interacting with the baby (gifts, songs) keeps them happy but does not accelerate stages.
Conclusion
This Tomodachi Life baby and family guide has shown you how new generations are born and raised on your island. Say yes to baby requests. Watch them grow through six stages. Help them become independent adults. Then watch them start their own families.
Families add depth and long-term drama to your island. Plan your population carefully. Enjoy the chaos of sibling rivalries and parent-teen arguments.
Next steps: Learn how to design the perfect home for your growing families with our Tomodachi Life island customization guide. For relationship basics, see our Tomodachi Life relationships and marriage guide.