^ What he said. You pay for economy, you get noisy kids and fat neighbours. You want peace and space? Pay for first class. Personally, I've rarely noticed screaming kids, both before and after having kids of my own.
Funny story, southwest flight home from Orlando, our then-5-year-old was sick and puked. Luckily mostly into a blanket, so easy cleanup, but not before the odor crept a few rows forward and the poor woman barfed from the smell
Yeah, no parents wants to be that parent, and we do what we can to keep the kids happy (including brandy!). But if you don't want that, just upgrade your seat.