So LO1 is 18 months. His nighttime routine consists of reading a couple of books and then me or DH sit him on our lap and rock him in the glider until he's sleepy. He sleeps 7:30-7:00 so we've kept doing it because it works.

As much as I love cuddling him to sleep, LO2 arrives in June so I feel like this routine may not be realistic soon (especially nights where I'm alone). The problem I'm having is trying to wind down DS at night. We tried incorporating bath time into his routine but that just gets him playful and excited. The whole rocking process is only 15-20 minutes, but I can't imagine not doing it. I can't imagine going from books right to crib. As it is now, it takes several minutes into the rocking for him to settle down. The other night I tried rocking him for less and then put him in the crib. He stood right up and was not having it. I know I might be looking at a couple nights of crying but I'd hate to do that. We've managed to get through all sleeping transitions without any crying. Any suggestions?