Kids are like little adults the same things that you need they need. If you're sleepy enough you'll fall asleep. Training your baby starts in the first weeks making it easier for you to get them to follow a schedule.
Children will learn in fact they crave it, but it takes discipline not only for the child but for you. Yes that's right it takes a dedication on your part to train your children. You have to be persistent and stick to your plan. You are the adult your child does not run your home you do. Children need direction and discipline as much as they need love and affection. Train a child the way they should go and they will not depart from it.
These are things that take no more than 10 minutes.
Do not illuminate the room at night
Feed heavier foods before bedtime
A soothing warm bath
A short bedtime story
Bedtime at the same time every night
Give water before he goes to his room and say it's all until morning and mean it
Soothing music - classical
If you have a soothing voice, sing
If your child is still not ready for bedtime after you’ve done all you can do. They are dry, fed and loved; then kiss your little one goodnight and mean it. Letting them cry themselves to sleep is good parenting if you have made your child secure in knowing you are just in the next room. It won't take long and the next time they'll get the message that bedtime means just that.
However, (and I hate to go here) if you do not have a secure home for your child and your lifestyle is questionable meaning that you don’t have a set bedtime for yourself and people and/or situations make it hard for a child or anyone else to get to sleep at your home, then you hold that child until he falls sleeps creating a sense of security.