What are some good methods for dealing with other peoples' loud/crying kids/babies on long flights?

Be kind and patient about it. That's what I would want if it was my kid crying his lungs out on a flight. The parents must be just as helpless and frustrated. I usually just crank the volume up on my in flight entertainment system and make do with the situation. Once I was sitting next to a mother and crying child (she was travelling with her baby alone) and I helped distract the baby when mommy wanted to eat and held the baby if she needed to go to the bathroom. I always tell myself to treat others how I'd like to be treated one day :)