When H was little, I tried all that rocking and patting business - sometimes
it would work, but more often than not, he would just cry and cry and cry.
After a quick visit to sleep school, I discovered rocking and patting just
****ed him off. As soon as I stopped that - like Cheri said - five minutes
of waaaaa and he was asleep.

Depends on the kid entirely, so just do what works for you