My 15 month old LO's current bedtime routine is books on the couch, change to overnight diaper and pajamas, go upstairs with both parents to brush teeth, nurses with me for 10-15m, then Sweetie takes over and walks him to sleep (takes another 5-15 minutes most nights).

On nights when we are both home, this is fine. But, if my partner is out for the evening it is a nightmare. From first lying down to nurse to LO actually asleep is often upwards of 90 minutes. They're not a fun 90 minutes either -- LO wails, arches, bites, and calls out for my partner.

I'm thinking that I just have to suck it up and do bedtime alone as many nights in a row as it takes for it to stop being a nightmare. And then do it solo often enough that it stays okay. Thoughts?

We're not really comfortable with crying it out, though I've gotten desperate enough to try it a couple times. Unfortunately, LO can (and will) climb out of his crib, and he will also scream/cry hard enough to throw up.

Any advise or commiseration?