Diane:
I commonly find myself gently rocking the cart back and forth as I wait in line...and my *youngest* will soon be 13!
I work in a pediatric office, so on the one hand I do still hold babies on occasion; on the other hand I would think myself pretty inured to the sound of crying - generally only gets through to me when it's pretty close.
I agree with those who feel that babies in western society are often not thought of as "real people" or as I usually put it, as full-fledged human beings.  I, too, spend a lot of time explaining to parents about baby personalities, habits, likes and dislikes.
Willow