Help sleep experts!! I messed up my baby's sleep schedule now don't know what to do!!

[Glastronaut]

Last night we let our 9 month old nap in the car on a long journey back from the grandparent's. He slept for around 20 minutes at 5pm. He wouldn't settle at bedtime until 9.30 when he usually goes off at 7pm then woke at 7am as usual. His first nap is usually around 9-9.15 so I thought I'd put him down a little early to compensate for the late bedtime but by 8.30 he was already inconsolably crying with over-tiredness and has been ever since (now nearly 10am). I have tried feeding/rocking /cuddling/lying with him but nothing is working. I don't like to let him cry but no idea what to do?! If he manages a short nap now do I just put him down again early for his second nap? If he doesn't stop crying do I just get him up and try again in an hour? Do I try 3 naps? Feel like a total parenting failure

You're doing great!
Routines only work if they make you happy and you sound quite miserable. Let baby sleep when he's tired. I'm sure he'll settle back into his old routine (or a new one) in a day or so.

Yes, he will be back in some sort of routine in a day or two. For now, be completely baby led.

Don't let him cry - get him up. Keep things quiet and soothing at home, or get out for a long walk (especially if he likes to sleep in his pram or buggy).

Then just follow his cues, he'll soon put himself on track - although, as others say, it may well be a new track. Routines change all the time at that age.

Thanks for the quick replies ladies. To be honest we're both very happy normally- he hardly ever cries and is textbook with sleep so guess I am spoilt! He is on a 2-3 4 routine which he put himself into around 6 weeks ago so I definitely think this was to do with the car nap not a new routine. He just managed 20 minutes in my arms and is now awake and not crying so guess I'll just put him down again when he get's fussy. Feel so guilty never thought a cheeky car nap could do so much damage!

Don't feel guilty! I don't see how sleep = damage. Much worse to drive back with a screaming baby. I'm sure he'll drop into his routine soon enough. Let us know how it goes :)