If only I had a good answer to this!

I think there is a fine line between letting the kid make noise in the chapel, and taking them out to the lobby. On the one hand, you want them to stay in the chapel if possible. On the other hand, you don't want to ruin the meeting for your kid as well as for those around you. (Your own meeting experience is basically toast, at this point in time... ;) ) And on the gripping hand, (Larry Niven reference) you don't want going to the lobby to be a reward for acting up!

The time when our daughter was between 12-18 months was the toughest time we've had at church. If I recall correctly, we tried to (a) make it through the sacrament without taking her out by hook or by crook, and (b) when we did take her out, we tried to just sit quietly with her and not let her run around, so it wasn't a reward.

Oh, yeah, and bringing snacks and quiet toys to play with at the pew is a good idea.