Toddler bed time help

[Tootyfruit]

We've recently moved our 19 month old from cot to cot bed, so one side open on the cot. This was to stop him climbing out!

He now will not lie down and go to sleep like he used to. It's taking 45 mins instead of 5 mins to settle him. I know it's probably still a novelty and exciting for him that he is 'free' but I'm wanting some tips and advice on how we can help make this transition smoother sand encourage him to go to sleep sooner.

It's because he can escape now! We put a stair gate on the bedroom door and ended up doing gradual retreat technique to get him to settle by himself. Took a couple of weeks for us but it worked.

45 mins is nothing 🤣 my daughter honestly was the best sleeper ever and it all went to shit when I took the side off and it took months to get better.

Not sure if this is the best advice but I'd be tempted to put the side back on and wait a bit longer to do the transition!