With recent experience of travelling with young children, for SH flights I would recommend just travelling in ET, especially as you already have lounge access via status. CE does have it's benefits as stated above, but in my view not worth the extra with a little one in tow.

As suggested above, we usually select a row of 3 near to the back (last if available), and do the old A & C trick. If the flight load looks ok too, it is also worth politely asking if it is possible for B to be blocked. We've had reasonable success via this method, given the space we required, and saved handsomely in the process. I always ask myself the question before booking under these circumstances, what's the worst thing that can happen?? The answer is always that we have to spend 3hrs plus with our own child on our laps........certainly not the end of the world. LH is of course another matter