Hmmm, I was going to suggest patting/settling in the cot. BUT don't know how it'd go with a toddler tagging along, LOL!
Natty got to the point where she didn't want to be rocked to sleep by 4 months, so I put her in her cot and patted her bottom til she fell asleep. She would sometimes take a good 15mins though, so not sure that this would work with a toddler in tow.
I'll keep an eye on this thread too cause no doubt I'll be right where you are in a couple of months!