We had the same thing. DD2 is now 16 months and I converted the cot to a toddler bed about a month ago and she will go to sleep with me sitting beside it holding her hand and it takes 10 minutes instead of an hour. We used to have to cuddle her to sleep and our arms and back would be killing us plus she would stand up in the cot screaming the place down if she woke up after putting her down. She needs to hold my hand to sleep though or she gets cranky so I'm trying to 'wean' her off that. I started her off in DD1's bed for day sleeps so she would get used to it. She usually ends up in bed with me but I think that's because I'm on autopilot in the wee hours of the morning.

I hope you find something that works soon. I know how draining bedtime can be.