The nose stroke is actual supposed to be a sleep reflex in young bubs but I think they lose it when they get a bit older unless the association is strong. We have found that if we need to rock him that singing really loudly and rocking that isn't too gentle works best. You would think nice quiet singing etc would be best but not for our bub. I think the singing works as a distraction and that then allows the calming of the rocking to work.