This is such an interesting topic as I am currently looking at ways to settle my little girl. She sleeps really well at night but to get there could take 2 hours in the evening. We have tried putting her on the sling and walking about the house but I am finding that very tiring, especially when I am often exhausted by the evening. What we have tried now is rocking her until she is calm, then putting her down. She would be awake and start to cry but I would hold her in her cot and pat her until she falls asleep which thankfully is within 5 mins. She would often wake a little but I would only do the patting if she starts to cry again. If the crying persist, ie goes for more than 2-3 mins I will carry her until she calms down and then repeat the process. I find that progressively she would put herself back to sleep without me patting her the second, 3rd time etc. I know it is not ideal but it is better than carrying her about for an hour. I am going to find those books you have mentioned and read them.