Hi I'm after some advice if anyone has any to offer!

My little one is 16 months old and has always (well from 4 months onwards) needed help going to sleep. He was BF to sleep until he weaned a couple of months ago and now he sits on our laps and puts his head on our chest.

I am newly pregnant and I'm wondering if he will be ever be happy to go to sleep by himself. I wouldn't mind having to pat him or rub his back, but I know it's going to become difficult holding him as I get bigger. I've tried patting but he won't lie down and gets very upset. I'm not prepared to let him cry. Is there a gentle way to help him? Or will he grow out of it?