Baby hates being held

[CharlieB93]

My daughter is nearly 10 months old and due to start nursery - we’ve received some social ‘milestones’ which we need to consider if she’s met. One of the milestones is ‘Likes being held and cuddles with caregiver, snuggles in, smiles and strokes caregivers arm’
She has NEVER liked being held from when she realised she could move, she’s not affectionate at all towards us and I’ve always taken this as how she is and she’s just independent. Now I’m worrying - have I missed some massive red flags in my daughters development? We’ve always laughed it off that she hates cuddles and kisses but now I feel I should have realised somethings wrong? Can this be a sign of early autism?

I should also mention she will allow to be cuddles when falling asleep at bedtime.

Any ideas anyone?

Oh gosh I went through the same thing with my first son! I remember that very question on the nursery checklist too and being upset as my DS never snuggled in past the newborn phase. Some babies just don't need/want it and that perfectly okay. My DS was chatty and social from a distance but also fiercely independent and used to actively arch away from cuddles (apart from when breastfeeding). He's a perfectly typical 3 year old now who has turned out to be super snuggly and tactile. No need to worry in my opinion if everything else seems on track :)

@Foreverbaffled ah thank you for replying! Yeah it’s just something we’ve dismissed as it’s just how she is but to see it on paper put some doubts in our heads!

Hey how is your baby now? I have similar concerns x

@Chzm gosh this brought back old memories, they are 3 now and completely different. Currently cuddling me in bed. It’s just a phase it’ll pass!