With my LO, the easiet way is breastfeed him, direct latch.
There are researches saying crying it out method will make baby depress, esp as young as yours. So i personally do not suggest this too.
You may want to have a bedtime routine, which will give cues to your baby that bedtime is nearer. Eg one hour before sleep, stop active play, read beditime book, dim the light, have a warm bath, then massage his body. Once he get used to the routine,he'll be calmer and easier to fall asleep. He is still young and depends on you, so it's ok to rock/hug/carry him till sleep too while establishing the bedtime routine.