Falling asleep independently - I’m really struggling

[TakeMeToProvence]

16 month old has always cuddled to sleep, but with DC no. 2 due in August I really want him to learn to fall asleep in his cot (I don’t even mind if I have to be in the room).
Currently trying a really gentle method with lots of cuddles until he’s drowsy, and then sitting by the cot shhing and reassuring. But he either seems to think it’s a big game or just gets upset, and I end up having to pick him up and cuddle him anyway.
I know I’ve not given it enough time yet, but I’m just looking for some encouragement I guess as patience isn’t my strong point!

My LO of a similar age loves a stroke on the head to settle them off to sleep.

The only other thing that helps LO get to sleep is if DH does bedtime (which he's had to do a couple of times while I was working late and turned out to be a lot easier than either of us expected).

@Margo34 aw how sweet. I think we’ll get there, I’m just finding it testing. DH works late during the week so it’s mostly down to me to crack it!