childless people...which would you prefer

to sit in the row NEXT to a screaming sad baby or to sit in the row BEHIND the screaming sad baby.

I am taking my son on a flight to spain tonight. it's his first time on a plane and my first time on a plane as a mother to a child who will be on a plane for the first time. he may not adapt to well. I may not either, but I am going to try.

we are going with a small group, so I am trying to figure out if we should sit across in the same number row, or if they should sit behind/in front of us (the rest of the family)

I am trying to figure out how the acoustics work I am figuring the worst. he won't sleep. he'll be uncomfortable and scared and that he will cry. I am expecting not to sleep myself either. and I am expecting people to be less than understanding about my son's discomfort and my situation...so any help/opinion you can give to me from the get go will be grand.

thank you.

Re: childless people...which would you prefer

Having sat behind and next to screaming babies on long haul flights I absolutely prefer NEXT to the baby! At the very least you can try to catch their eye and make funny faces/try to distract them. Behind is rough because it's right in your ears. OUCH!

Good luck. No one likes a screaming baby on a flight but I always feel so bad for the parents! I hope he is a perfect angel and even if he isn't, it's only a limited amount of time then you'll be there

Re: childless people...which would you prefer

Put family behind him.
If you hold Luce up on your shoulder, he will be able to see familiar faces behind him.

I've travelled with my very young niece and nephew a couple of times, and my sis would give them a bit if baby tylenol at the beginning of the flight to alleviate any discomfort before it became a problem.
Most likely the motion and the "white noise" of the plane will encourage Luce to sleep, and the fact that you are travelling at night.

Re: childless people...which would you prefer

thank you ladies for answering. and for taking me seriously.

I am very apprehensive about the whole thing and I appreciate your input.

I will put the family behind him!

Re: childless people...which would you prefer

It doesn't matter to me. Maybe ask your traveling companions if they have a preference?

I know no one "likes" a screaming baby on a plane, but it doesn't usually annoy me. I always just feel bad for the baby and the parents trying to calm him or her. I'm sure he'll do great -- try not to worry too much and have a great trip!

Re: childless people...which would you prefer

I am not sure if it matters, a crying baby is hard for all involved no matter where you are sitting. Just wanted to say good luck. I don't have kids, but I recently travelled with my sister and 1year old nephew on a plane (who cried the whole time - 3 hours only though), and I never really understood how hard it really is for the PARENTS until that day. They are worrying about a crying baby AND the people around them who are giving looks. So I just wanted to let you know...I get it now.

Re: childless people...which would you prefer

i'd rather sit next to one. then you can at least see the cute baby too instead of just getting the crying

Re: childless people...which would you prefer

next to

If I were flying with you, I'd try to help soothe him

Re: childless people...which would you prefer

Posted by DirtyBlonde

next to

If I were flying with you, I'd try to help soothe him

Re: childless people...which would you prefer

Posted by Ophelia

thank you ladies for answering. and for taking me seriously.

I am very apprehensive about the whole thing and I appreciate your input.

I will put the family behind him!

Re: childless people...which would you prefer

Posted by DirtyBlonde

next to

If I were flying with you, I'd try to help soothe him

Message edited 10/21/2010 1:54:34 PM.

Re: childless people...which would you prefer

Crying babies don't bother me either way, I find most adults to be much more annoying when traveling.

But I was thinking, what if you sat in the last row and then put family in the row in front of you? Then there would be a buffer between you and everyone else and there would be no one behind you. Just a suggestion!

Good luck, I hope it ends up being much easier than expected!

Re: childless people...which would you prefer

Both options are equal in my opinion

Re: childless people...which would you prefer

My only preference that I not be sitting right next to the screaming baby. Otherwise, I don't care where they are - in front of me, behind me, across the aisle. I always feel terrible for both the baby because they are hurting and the parents because they feel bad their child is hurting and screaming.

Good luck & have fun!

Message edited 10/21/2010 7:47:27 PM.

Re: childless people...which would you prefer

Next to - definitely.