I completely disagree with the example of the mom handing out pre-emptive presents. People need to accept others and their situations, not need gifts. If someone is disturbed by a baby crying (as I am), then they should be prepared and bring earplugs - that's taking personal responsibility for the situation.

In another comment, you gave this example:

But what about the poor passengers who want a quiet flight, those with noise sensitivity, the unwell....

If we're all following the mom's example, then I'd expect the person with the cough to hand out presents, the person talking loudly to hand out presents, the person that smells to hand out presents... etc. Do you get my point? We can't expect everyone to do these kind of high-effort gestures just to appease strangers for an unavoidable situation (that a of a baby naturally crying).

The problem is that a lot of people are so entitled that they get angry that a baby is crying and expect someone else to appease them. They need to grow up.