Why is it so hard to express genuine affection for kids without being judged?

I’ve been feeling really frustrated about this, and I need to get it off my chest. (Im 18M for "reference", i guess?)

So, here’s the thing: I genuinely like kids. And before anyone jumps to conclusions, I mean in a normal, proper, healthy way. No creepy undertones, no weird intentions. Naturally, when I’m out with a friend, family member, or even anyone in general, I sometimes notice—and maybe say something like, “That little girl is really cute.”

To me, this feels normal. It’s just an honest, innocent observation. I even say it if the kid is a boy. I don’t care about the gender that much, but if I’m being completely honest, I do lean toward finding little girls more adorable. Nothing weird—just a bias.(I guess)

But almost every time I say this, whoever I’m with either goes:
1. “Ew, she’s a child, you sicko,” or
2. “bhai ko bacche pasand hn” or, “Nice try, Diddy.” like i get it bhai, you watch Samay Raina, okay!? Now stfu!

I’m just someone who sees a kid, appreciates their cuteness, and smiles at the fact that they are having a good childhood, enjoying with their parents.(I never got to have that life, so it means something to me). I feel like I can’t even express this thought anymore without being judged, joked about, or outright accused of being some kind of creep.

I don’t know, maybe I’m overthinking it, but I’m curious—has anyone else experienced this? How do you handle it? Because honestly, I’m getting tired of having to either explain myself or just stay quiet altogether.