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Before I can give you a good answer, I'd want to know if you are buying a seat for your LO, will you have a car seat and stroller? How many bags are you checking?

Well, no matter what you'll have to collect and re-check your bags. I have flown back and forth from London to St Louis a few times and each time had to do it. I've flown through PHL each time and had to go through customs on my layover upon entering the US. If you're flying into the EU, you'll just have to do it when you enter the EU/UK/wherever the layover is (London?).

Either way, you'll have to do it. Might as well save some money.

What are your options for layover cities in both places. Some airports in the US are nightmares.....I prefer European airports. For example Heathrow is really easy for connections if leaving from the same terminal.

@zippylef: uh really? Woulda been nice to know two days ago

@wheres_c: Haha, yep! Everyone was PISSED behind me. They put me right to the front of the line. They also bumped me to the front of security last time I flew to the states because I was traveling alone with an infant.

Doesn't sound like you have too much stuff which is great, because you won't need a porter!

I think it would probably be easier to do a domestic layover, but if you'd have to do it regardless, I'd go with the cheaper option.

@MsInformation: Ah I was posting and missed your options. I haven't been through CDG, AMS or DUB....but I recommend LHR if it works with your budget.
I agree with you about MAD, great architecture but really barebones in terms of amenities and the signage is confusing. I would avoid.
Generally as long as you are continuing on the same airline, you won't have to pick up bags.
I would pick Dublin first as the British/Irish airports tend to have more amenities plus there's no language barrier.
AMS would be my next choice, the Dutch are super friendly!
CDG would be my third choice.
I don't love JFK and PHL, and there's a chance you could end up delayed/stuck there......European flights hold the airlines to strict standards regarding cancellations and delays and they are required to give you compensation if past a certain amount of time.
I just traveled internationally solo with my 4.5mo two days ago so if you have any travel questions let me know!

AMS is a really nice airport. There's a (free) museum in the airport and some good eating options (healthy, fresh, good quality).

I would not transit through JFK if I can help it. Transiting through big airports usually mean you have to walk really far from one gate to the next and sometimes involves a gate bus and walk on the Tarmac which I don't enjoy.

I would probably just take the Aer Lingus flight if it were me! Plus it's the cheapest and the FAs will speak English.

@MsInformation: yay! I had planned on asking the agent at check in for bulkhead with bassinet (American doesn't let you reserve)... Instead I asked at check in if the flight was full, and when I was told it wasn't I asked for an empty seat to be blocked next to me. LO slept in his carseat the entire flight and I didn't have to worry about turbulence as I would a bassinet.

Just another option in case he's too big for the bassinet.