get them sucking on you or bottle or what ever they like for the ascent or descent.
Try and fly as close to their nap/bed time as possible
Take stickers and new toys, and what ever they have been nagging you for recently.
Get the other passengers on your side, smile and say hello and make contact before you take off that way if child kicks up and makes a noise they will be less likely to tut and make things hard for you.
Take lots of cartons of juice.
You should travel with a baby only after he has had all his jabs. Babies are EASY.
Always ask for the bulkhead seat and get a bassinet, even if you know your child won't sleep in it, you can store all your stuff in it
Go Singapore or Malaysian, they really really are the best, cabin crew the personification of consideration.
As to getting used to the timezones, we always fly to Perth and Stop in Singapore for at least 24 hours because it is the same timezone. Don't know about the eastern states.
ANd finally my top tip, and I have done it both ways with a baby and toddler twice and one way with toddler and baby ... expect the worst. That way the sheer relief will perk you all up if things go well.
It really isn't all that bad. IME it's the faffing about at heathrow for two hours before check in that is the really draining part.