Babies on a plane.

On both our transatlantic flights we had the misfortune of having babies sitting right next to us. On short haul flights, I really don't mind having a baby or two on board as long as they are not crying on top of their lungs right next to me for the whole entire flight.  But on long hauls or red-eyes where I need to get sleep, it is quite an annoyance when sleep is disrupted due to a crying baby. Which is exactly what happened on our flights. 

I know that people with babies have to travel too. And that sometimes you really can't help a crying baby. But I do think that some parents can do more to ease the passage for both themselves and their fellow passengers. 

(photography from jupiterimages.com)

Here are a few things that are suggested when traveling with babies

1. Aim for direct flights. 
2. Take a carseat for your baby. This requires that you purchase a seat for your baby. But it will be more than worth it for you to not have to hold the baby the whole flight. Not only would it be more comfortable for you, but also more safe for the baby (there are many, many accidents with turbulence) and your baby will be much more comfortable in a familiar carseat. 
3. Get the bulkhead and request the bassinet. However, make sure that you know which seats have the capabilities to do this and reserve the seats required for you to hang the bassinet without infringing on other people's legroom. (Our neighbors on the flight back had to hang it in our legroom, making our flight much less comfortable). Note that in the bulkhead, there is nowhere to keep your things, so you will have to get up an access the overhead frequently. 
4. Or get a seat on the wings. The sound and motion of the plane in this area of the plane will lull the baby to sleep (like in a car).  
5. Feed your baby during takeoff or landing. The sucking motion will help with the discomfort of ear pressurization. 
6. Sit between your baby and passengers to act as a buffer.