I started a routine early on in the late arvo's but dont particularly follow one in the day, just take it as it comes. But at night it's always feed, play with dad who's just home, bath, cuddle quiet time, bottle & bed.
Charlie usually doesn't get put down for arvo nap til approx 1.30 so I know he'll be up around 4ish & stay up til his bed time but early on it was harder as he'd wake early in the arvo & be tired by 5pm & a nightmare. During this time I would give him a swing as that would calm him or a walk & he would just doze. That way we could keep him up til ready to have bath etc. Now it usually works fine.
If he doesn't have much of an arvo sleep & is up early & tired I put him down, but as above only let him have the 45min nap & wake him up.