21 month old will not go to sleep

[meyouandsunshine]

My son is 21 months & has never been the best sleeper but after controlled crying we got into a good routine where he self settled in his cot. The past month he has suddenly stopped doing this. He will scream hysterically for hours at nap time & bed time before eventually I just give in and put him in bed with me. But nap times are even harder, I've started having to go out in the car with him to get him to have an hour. Today I'm not well so don't want to go anywhere but it's 12.30 (usual nap time) and he's wild. Tried everything to get him to sleep. I really don't know what to do anymore. I'm pregnant so need to get this sorted before the newborn arrives. Please help

Probably a bit late but could you put him in bed with you and both have a nap?

Tried that @BunnyRuddington 😂🤦🏼‍♀️

I was going to suggest that too, always had mine in bed with me for a nap (though when they were younger than yours). Obviously it doesn't work for you and yours.

Back to the drawing board.

Maybe he doesn't want to nap when you want him to, it isn't compulsory and he is twenty one months. Perhaps let him just fall asleep when he is ready.

Cut the nap and nighttime sleep might improve? Driving in the car is crazy every day. Now and again fine but not as a way for getting them to sleep

Ok, if he's being crazy he probably does still need a nap. Have you had a look at the No Cry Nap Solutio?

Sorry to break bad news but mine would only nap in the car from about 18MO and is still doing it now age 3. She just turned 3 and is starting to be able to function without a nap but much before 3 forget it! She'd be inconsolable all afternoon and then drop to sleep on the floor/on her dinner. Everyone is different but I resolved that having an hour or so in the car and a flask of tea (or a cheeky mcdonalds drivethru) was the most easygoing solution for us both. I don't see a massive problem with it personally but each to their own. I'm afraid I still stay with mine at bedtime til she goes to sleep too. I really don't like CIO sorry. It's ok if they get it and give up without too much fuss but you've just prooved that some don't and then where do you actually go from there? Are you honestly gonna leave them all night to scream? Because if you're not then all they're going to learn is that you're inconsistent at meeting their needs and that they have to scream and create drama for you to meet their needs. You don't need to be a sleep expert to realise what a pandora's box that's opening...