my DS always refused a dummy as well - but never the breast sometimes in those early weeks he would suck on a little (clean obviously!) finger for DP (although not for me).

with the benefit of hindsight, i can say that they change sooooo often in the early months & just when you think they've fallen into a pattern, they change again! in the end i found it easiest to go with the flow

i think a sling/carrier is a great idea & wish i'd had one with DS - i've already bought one for number 2 though!!

sounds like you're doing great the book might say differently, but it's okay to help them settle to sleep...it won't cause a bad habit & it'll help through those wonder weeks!