@SuperMouse – I’m with you on this one. Unless a baby has a health concern, in my opinion, it’s best to establish a routine and stick with it.
SuperMouse mentioned something my pediatrician mentioned to me, put them down when they are drowsy, not asleep and it helps them establish the pattern of going to bed. After my son was past some of his issues, we did this and after a week or so, things got pretty easy on the bedtime routine.
Even at this age, consistency is key. A swing is not a bad thing, but it is good to find another way to help babies get to sleep without relying on swings or other things. Also, this will build that trust (yep…even at this age) that you will respond, when your baby needs you.
We did the bottle, bath, song/book (while rocking), crib routine. Some nights, it worked like a charm, other nights – well, we had to add an extra song or book, but then down.
Good luck! :)