Hi, sorry you've not had any recent replies.
My first thought would be that his routine doesn't look typical of a LSNs baby so may be he is undertired at bedtime and in the night if you believe he's LSNs. Perhaps pushing bedtime a bit later would help. Or would he prefer you to put him down? Are you breastfeeding him at bedtime? Does that not help him settle? Is he having any night feeds?
Also, please know that it's very common for babies this age to have night wakings. There are lots of developmental milestones and leaps going on which disturb sleep. This is a prime age for separation anxiety to ramp up. This is especially common for babies who are away from their mothers during the day, and particularly when breastfed. To protect the nursing supply and the relationship they do something called reverse cycling. They wake and are compelled to nurse and check mum is there. It's to make up for lost time during the day and to touch base. That's probably why he likes to feel your hand on him. He's enjoying the comfort the touch is providing. It's all very normal. Tiring but normal 😊
