9 month old resisting his cot

QUESTION:
My 9 month old baby recently got quite sick (gastro and tonsilitis) and ever since he’s been a nightmare to put to sleep. Now when I try to put him down (day or night), he starts arching his back (nearly folding himself double) and screaming.  It started while he was sick, but the doctor has checked him out and he’s fine now.  When I hold him upright he calms down, but the moment I lay him down in my arms he arches and screams. When I put him down in his cot from an upright position, he’s happy and starts playing. But the moment I hold him in a lying position in my arms he starts screaming. I am so desperate – I hate seeing my little one like this. He used to be such a happy and content “BabySense baby”. I keep thinking that he must be in pain or that I’m doing something wrong. Please help me.

ANSWER:
Illness can really throw things out for little ones. I can suggest that you firstly put him on Probiotics as the medication may have messed up his tummy a bit so he is uncomfortable. Then make sure he has a sleep comforter such as a muslin blanket or Taglet for comfort when he goes to sleep.
Thereafter, it is simple consistency. Take him to his room and prepare him for sleep time. A love, cuddle and brief rocking until he is drowsy. Then put him in his cot – try sitting for a few trials and then try lying him down – see which works and which way he settles best. Leave the room and only go back if he is crying – leave him if he is simply moaning. Sit with him until he settles to sleep.