My oldest was very colicky.  I couldn't put him down without him crying.  I finally put him in a baby carrier and carried him next to me for 4 months before I could put him down by himself.  It was a life saving realization.  Today many moms use baby wraps that keep their babies right up against them.  It takes a lot of pressure off your shoulders. I wish I had had that when my oldest was a baby. 

That baby is now 22 and a great kid.