American Airlines Seating Issues

I probably shouldn't write a post right now, as I am severely irritated. That said, here is the issue.

We have had our American Airlines flight booked for several weeks now, and leave in one week. When I booked, I couldn't pick seats. I called about a week ago, and the American Airlines agent directed me to the website, where I could choose seats. The agent was plenty friendly and tried to help.  But here is the issue: I am traveling with my 3 month old son as a lap infant, and would like to be seated in the back of the plane with my husband. Apparently, this is a very difficult request to fill. You see, the only seats listed online are "paid" seats (wait, I didn't I already PAY for my ticket?). Those "paid" seats are of course aisles, windows, and exit rows with leg room, and range from an extra $34 to $71 dollars. AND if I have an infant, I am not supposed to be in an exit row. The aisles and windows only have one seat available so my husband and I couldn't sit together. Only one flight of the four was I able to choose seats, on the very last flight back home.

So while I am trying to be a considerate traveler by sitting in the back with my infant, instead I have to wait until I check in at the airport to get my seat. This honestly adds considerable stress to my travel, because I am going to be juggling my baby, the car seat, and luggage while worrying if I will even be able to have my husband by my side during the flight, how I can discreetly breastfeed in whatever seat I am assigned at the last minute, and what I will do if the baby is screaming because his poor little ears hurt on takeoff and landing. I really am just trying to be considerate of others and to help our travel go smoothly.

I know that someone, somewhere has power to assign us seats. It really just seems ridiculous to me. Maybe I am overreacting, but this whole situation really irritates me. I have never had this kind of scenario with other airlines and flights, so American Airlines will definitely not be on the top of my list when selecting my next flight.