Do you need to cuddle to sleep always?

I made sure DS had a special toy to cuddle from birth, which helps. He can take any other favourite toy to bed, so long as he doesn't play with it. But he usually cuddles up to his bunny and squirrel monkey soft toys. (Didn't start working until 13m though!)

Try putting your DD to bed with the t-shirt you've worn all day so she still smells you at night.

Get your DF to re-settle. You need sleep too!

What calms down in the day? DS loves me patting his bum, so I started to do that to get him to sleep. YES he did cry a bit at first, but soon calmed down (couple of minutes). I also sing to him when he's really distraught. He knows his special sleepy songs and they calm him. We've had him screaming and pushing me away some nights so I just sing "Mammy loves Liebling" until he calms down enough to let me hold him then he lies down.

I also find telling DS what I expect helps. "It is bedtime, after our story we turn out the light, say prayers then go to sleep." Then "Amen. Close eyes and go to sleep time." I'll give him a kiss on his forehead and say "Goodnight, God bless and sweet dreams. Mammy loves thee." That's his cue to close his eyes. If he's really wiggly then I sing a song about his bedtime toys going to sleep and that sends him off quite well.

Good luck!