How do you calm a toddler down for bed

[WhoToTalkTo]

Just that really, how do you make a toddler sleepy before bed rather than them carrying on bouncing around? 12m for reference, doesn't matter if the last wake window is 4 or 6 hours, 1 or 2 naps, it's basically the same. Unless of course she hits the point of overtiredness and then we have a false start guaranteed and a real bedtime of 11pm.

cast iron routine of bath, PJs, stories, cuddles bed. I’m not really one for routine in the day, but at bedtime it’s a must to signal that it’s time to wind down.

Solid routine that is quick and efficient. So bath at 6.30, 15 minutes and it’s out for teeth and PJs, then into bed, 1 story and say goodnight and leave.

We've had the same routine since she was 6 weeks old and tweaked it here and there to see if it makes a difference, it doesn't work. She knows it's bedtime because during the whole routine she'll be rubbing her eyes and whatnot but she's simultaneously bouncing around for a good hour until it ends in tears and she finally falls asleep unwillingly.

Jumping about to heavy metal.

Then warm milk.

Down.

Stay consistent - I know it's easier said than done! We have always had the same sleep routine since 6 months. At age 1 he consistently self-settled at naps but never once at bedtime.

I think he was 17-18 months when he self settled at bedtime for the first time ever.

One is still very little.