Upcoming mod that allows babies, maybe? I would get it if it was a one off with Shaun's crib, but why can we build cribs in our settlements if we dont get babies to go with them? Or am I too early in building my settlements to attract families with babies?

no children either in settlements, probably has to do with complaints from so many gamers that it was offensive to have children in a video game.

Why build chairs and put down rugs and other decrotive objects? Immersion, esthetics and Role Playing are the reason. Just because you don't see babies doesn't mean there are no babies. After all, all of these advlts were once kids, those kids and the kids you see in game were all once babies.

Possibly to fill horror rooms for your character. Put a door in a prefab and trap codsworth in there with 10 cribs, some dog houses, and dead babies.

There is a child in the settlement near the Prydwen, Nordhagen or something, there's a little boy in a striped shirt. But I think he's there when you first arrive. True though, you would think the settlements would fill with kids. The Witcher has kids and they ain't that upbeat a game!