If Patting doesn't work maybe try the face stroke or tickle. Seth has a spot right between his eyes across his eyebrows. He's more of a stroker than a patter.

And what I meant by play is if he's in the cot and he's happy and he's winding himself down thats ok, he doesn't need to be lying down or under the blankets. We all take different amounts of time and different techniques as adults to wind down and I think babies are no different. Like Just now seth was in his cot for about 15 mins of "play" wandering around the cot and moving about, then as he started to get grumpy I went back in (he was lying down the wrong end wrestling with his blanket), repositioned him so that he was under the blanket, on his tummy stroked his face for a bit and he was out like a light. Bed time rituals are great! You'll find your niche as will Emma Try not to worry about it. Don't set yourself or her a time limit for her to get to sleep and try and remember that even as adults we vary in how long it can take us to get to sleep some nights. Last night I finally felt tired at 2 am yet a few nights ago I was ready for bed at 7:30 kids are the same. And so long as you provide them with all the love and support and tools to self settle they do get it eventually but sometimes its not a matter of putting them in bed and then they close their eyes and go to sleep. I know I don't work that way either LOL! So long as they are happy and safe its all good

And mummy don't forget you are doing a great job!

*hugs*
Cailin