9 Month Old Has Stopped Napping

Put him down BEFORE the signs of being tired start. Have a more rigid schedule. Put him down the same time every day.
At nine months he probably could use a nap in the morning and another after noon. Three naps might be a little much. Mine didn't go down to one nap until after 12 mos.
Being overly tired will backfire and wire them out, as I am sure you have figured out.

I would have him get up, eat, change him, play for a bit, hugs and cuddles, nursing then lay him back down about two hours after he gets up, then leave him there, for an hour even.

Then later in the afternoon around 1 or 2 pm lay him back down. Don't wait for cues from him, he needs a schedule, he will get it after a while. If he lays there and plays so be it as you cannot force him to sleep. Giving his body cues and a schedule will save your sanity too.

I have very rigid schedules with both of mine, same time every day unless something huge happened to disrupt it, they are still both great sleepers and were great nappers as babies.
Make sure too he has a full belly, is he eating solids on top of nursing? At 9 months his appetite has kicked up a ton and needs more then nursing. Breast milk does not stay on their system long.

He definitely needs sleep, so I think I would try every way possible to get him to sleep. Just putting him in the crib when he shows his sleepy signs just doesn't cut it for some babies. Try rocking him, putting him in a swing, laying him on his tummy across your lap and move your legs gently from side to side or bounce them a little while patting his back gently. put him in whatever type of carrier you have (sling or front carrier) and go for a walk. Lean way back in a really relaxed position on your couch with your feet up (so you can catch a nap too) lay him on your chest so he can hear your heartbeat and pat his back or butt. My girl loved her tushy patted. Just keep trying. You will eventually find what will soothe him and you both will get rest. I know it is frustrating, but I really miss the days of holding my babies until they fell asleep. When your baby gets to be a toddler, and you set a certain time for lunch, snack, play etc. it will be easier to start a "schedule" for naptime. For now, I really don't think trying to force a sleep "schedule" on him will work. They sleep when they need sleep, and in your case, he may just want to be held by his mommy. I rocked and held both of my kids until they fell asleep, and there wasn't any problem when I wanted to start a schedule when they became toddlers. They knew that after lunch, they took a nap, then we could go outside when they woke up. They are now 6 and 4 and have no problem going to bed at night and sleeping well until time for my 6 yr old to get ready for school. Just remember, he is only a little baby, and won't be for long. I say just be a loving mommy, enjoy helping him fall asleep, and cherish that time with him, it will be gone before you know it. My kids still love for me to rub their backs when we are just hanging out watching TV. It has always been a comfort for them. I love to hear, "mommy, will you rub and scratch my back please?" And I am glad to do that for them. A rigid schedule doesn't sound very loving and soothing to me.

These sound like symptoms of sleep deprivation to me... It is so challenging to figure out nap schedules at this age. This is also a big developmental burst time. This burst is often mistaken for a need to sleep less when they are actually just resisting sleep to practice their new skills. The first thing I would do is move the bed time earlier so he can catch up on his sleep. Then try and put him down for his first nap after only being awake for about 3 hours. He may not seem tired, but he will probably surprise you. If he continues to resist, be persistent and let him stay in his crib for at least an hour at a time. Be sure to keep the bed time early so that he doesn't get too deprived. Just be consistent and eventually this should work itself out. I highly recommend the book Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child by Marc Weisbluth. It is especially helpful for sleep problems just like this. It covers all aspects of sleep from birth to the teenage years. My oldest is only 6, (4 and 17 mos are my other 2) but it has helped me countless times already. Best of luck!

A.

Although every child is different, most children are definitely ready for 2 naps by 9 months. Don't give up - kids really do need their naps to be happy & healthy. Put him down at the same time every day for his nap. If he doesn't sleep, that's okay, just get him up after an hour or so & put him down again at the next nap time. Be consistent and he will eventually get the sleep he needs. Just make sure you are not holding, rocking or nursing him to sleep. Put him in the crib when he shows the very first sign of being tired, or at the nap time/bed time, while he is awake and he will take care of the rest. All kids go through phases of resisting naps. It will turn around - don't give up & good luck!