2.5yr old sleep routine help

[NeptuneNellie]

Due to health problems DS has always been cuddled to sleep. He’s now been well for about 6months and would like to get him to sleep in his cot at bedtime.

Currently he wakes between 7-8am, naps 45-60m ending no later than 2.30pm, dinner 5.30, upstairs by 6.30, potty/book/teeth/grobag/white noise for 7pm.
Then he’s cuddled in a rocking chair until asleep and put into his cot.
He sleeps through the night unless ill.

Lately he’s taking longer and longer to get to sleep, leaving no evening time for me. Plus he’s a lump!
He does seem to still need a nap.

Trying gradual retreat, but the step from chair cuddle to lying in cot is too big.
Should we take side off cot and cuddle him there. Then retreat from that point?
He will be moving bedroom soon (not a new sibling, just a change around) maybe set up new room with bed instead?
Help!

[silkpyjamasallday]

I understand the frustration of the never ending bedtime routines, what worked for us was moving DD into a single mattress on the floor. We did stories snuggled up in bed then cuddled her until she was asleep then roll away easily. After a few weeks of perseverance when she turned 2yo we can now leave the room when she is awake and she self settles talking to her cuddly toys.