Would white noise, story tape or light device help a toddler settle in cot?

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My son (20 months) can get to sleep in a variety of ways: feeding, rocking, in the pram and co-sleeping. However, I think we would like to move towards getting him to self-settle in the cot - although we would not leave him to CC or CIO.

Is there any device that would help? He has once or twice settled into a deeply relaxed state (not quite asleep) if we put our head down beside the cot and breathe deeply as if we are asleep.

I am pondering:

White noise - either de-tuning a radio or using www.amazon.co.uk/Jaygee-Babysooth-R-J-Wannell/dp/0951307401/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

An audio book - I was thinking of Paddington Bear read by Stephen Fry

Some kind of magic lantern or light show?

Any suggestions much appreciated!

Thanks.

Bother.
www.amazon.co.uk/Jaygee-Babysooth-R-J-Wannell/dp/0951307401/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

I use White noise for my toddler and have used story CDs for my 5 year old since she was about 2. I found the light shows were too distracting but they do work for some. I can highly recommend the no cry sleep solution for toddlers and pre schoolers to give you some tips on how to gently teach your child good sleep habits. It saved my sanity when dd1 was about 2.