5 month old cries alot and hardly sleeps

[sue1386]

5 month old

cries alot and
hardly sleeps
never longer than 40 minutes at a time
wants to be held all the time

if there are people who have read
sleeping like a baby
100 ways to calm your baby
the contented baby,
please can you tell me a bit of what they said as i dont beleive i can read at this point
are there dvds or cds as they may be easier to listen to or watch than reading books.

i've looked through the forums and found hints that can help

rock them back to sleep when they awaken after 40 minutes
controlled crying
solids may help to have better sleep
allergy testing and other formulas may help if allergies are a cause
various things to help if colic is a problem.
dummies
swings walks slings music singing

music nature kids dvds
ACUPUNCTURE
choropractor
white noise

what age can i try an activity centre that is like the old type of walkers where they sit in and play with toys around it,
or whqta age can i use a jolly jumper
or the ring that helps babies sit up with toys to play with.

i he might play with toys a few minutes on his back
or with his feet
or is happy on walks usually but i cant walk and walk all day
may be happy in the swing a bit

i have tried many things but my baby cries alot and wants to be held all day
i have had to wave a different toy in front of him every minute
or hold him alot
he doesnt sleep much
he doesnt seem to concentrate or play much on his own like most of my friends babies do he just cries wanting a new toy waved in front of him every 30 seconds
he hates baby dvds, while my friends babies will often enjoy them in the background and feel happy.

also can i have hints for getting them used to a babysitter as he is very aware and just wants mum
how long and often would you suggest it takes to get used to a babysitter
whats the best way to achieve him getting used to a babysitter.
and other hints to help please

HELP PLEASE.