Sleep?

Does your babe go to sleep alone, like you put down in Crib and they fall asleep!? If so HOW! Sleep has always been a battle with my little guy and now after rocking we put him down and he wakes up and won't sleep. If we leave he freaks out and cries. I've tried leaving him to cry but I don't like the whole "cry it out" method and he sweats and it's just a rough scene. How can I train my little dude to sleep alone!? Any help or suggestions are greatly appreciated!!!!