How do you get your preschoolers to sleep?

[GreyStarz]

I'm having problems getting my 3.5year old to sleep. He usually has his dad lie in bed reading stories until he falls asleep but for the last three weeks (since starting a new nursery) he won't be in the same room as his dad and I have to do bedtimes.

I wouldn't normally mind but with my 8months old to deal with as well I spend 6pm-6am going between their rooms as the each wake up in turns!

I was thinking of trying a bedside night light and an audiobook to help my oldest fall asleep. Maybe read three stories then leave him with a CD player on...

Looking for advice on what works for you and any help would be brilliant, I'm not sure how much longer I can manage them both on my own!

[BestBeforeYesterday]

That sounds like hard work! My DS1 is 3.10 months old and has had the following routine for 2 years or so: bottle of milk, brush teeth, read books while cuddling, hop into bed, lights out. I leave the door to his room open and he will call me a couple of times with requests for water or wanting to know what time we are getting up in the morning. He then drops off on his own. I also have a 2 year old who goes to bed a bit later so I can't sit with him until he falls asleep.
I'd work on getting him to go to sleep on his own - an audiobook seems a good idea. I think night lights are generally very bright, leaving the door open lets enough light in. I would explain during the day what is going to happen at bedtime so that he has time to get used to the idea.