I think it just depends on the baby and finding something that works for them. With DD I normally put her in her cot, stick dummy in and give her her stuffed giraffe and she'll go off to sleep. But sometimes I need to pat her or rub her tummy, other times I need to sit on the lounge and have her snuggled against me patting her back (mainly in the middle of the night!), if she is tired she will fall asleep in her pram if we are out for a walk...so it's just a matter of what works at the time and maybe try a few things if what you are doing doesn't seem to be working.