We have flown with a bunch of different airlines and none of them have been noticeably better in the sky however when I landed in Dubai on my own with a baby the ground staff opened a new customs/immigration lane for me and then put me on a buggy to take me through the airport.
If time isn't pressing and finances allow it taking 24-48 hours to stopover so you can sleep in a bed before the second leg is a great option.

I prefer to leave at night so that they will sleep after take-off.