It's actually quite normal that every time a toddler reaches a new milestone, they go through an "I refuse to sleep" stage... and it is just a stage. The best you can do is stick with your normal bedtime routine and be consistent. If he cries, let him go a few minutes... if he gets too hystericle it's okay to settle him, but don't speak to him or make eye contact. Just go in, hug him (preferrably without picking him up) until he settles. Then lay him down again and leave the room. If he starts crying again... give it a few minutes again, but go in if you need to and settle him the same way. It sometimes take a few tries, but he'll get the hint.

Don't leave him crying too long, though, or they start feeling "abandoned" which could make them more upset. Going in there and settling them lets them know you're still there, but putting him down once he's settled and leaving lets him know that you mean for him to sleep now. It's hard letting them cry that few minutes, but at least wait 3 to 5 minutes before going in because sometimes they will find a way to settle themselves, which is ultimately what you want them to do.

As long as you remain consistent, it really shouldn't take more than a week to get him into his normal sleeping habits again. But it'll probably happen every time he reaches a new milestone.

Naya

Hey there, I see your dilehma, my son was the same once, its like they sence how sensitive u r towards them an play on it at such an early age, hmmm. but all it takes is persistance an I know its hard but bein tough, not my strength, but sleep is important 4 growin babies. I found it best 2 put him in his crib, after a story an bigg hugs an kisses, I left a lamp on, then left, soundz awful I know I couldn't stand it but if u r tough an don't give in it will only take a few times, now the hearin him cry bein the trickiest part, I would cry too, then I use 2 I know its crazy but I was so protective I would lay outside his door 4 how ever long it took 4 him, so as 2 hear if everything was ok, but u can't let him know u r there or sence that u r there cause he won't stop. It doesn't take long thank goodness, unless u let it go on 4 way 2 long, its the same later on when they sleep wit u, break the habit early, quickly an it doesn't become an issue!!