Our day sleeps were terrible until about 14 months.
At around 12 months MJ dropped to one day sleep and she was exhausted all day long as she was still only sleeping 30-45 mins. She will now sleep 1.5-2.5hours which is fantastic (for us both)
We still have trouble settling and i just think thats she is one of those bubbas!
It wont last for ever - try and find peace with the fact that your little one is just more active than others.... it will help your mind set.
Not all babies/toddlers are the same, as with adults - some find it easy to wind down, others do not.
I agree with PP - night time routines are great - but why contain it to nights only - have a routine with your day sleeps as well, story, nappy another story, cuddles then settle. (or whatever works)
If your baby doesnt like being put down - why ??? is the bed cold (try a heatpack in the cot before going down - dont forget to take it out thou) is the room to light? casting shadows? could you move the cot? (we did this with huge success)
If all else fails, just go with the flow, i read an article in the July Melbournes Child called bye bye baby - i was in tears and i realsied that although the fact that your babys needs can be frustrating at time, it is an amaziung time that you will never get back... in several years time they may not even need you to get to sleep or want you - if you savour this time (instead or resent it) it is SOOOOOO much easier...
Hope this helps - i do sympathise, i have been there too
