9mo sleep regression

My 9 month old is currently going through a sleep regression & is refusing his afternoon sleep.

He definitely still needs the afternoon sleep. By bedtime he is so exhausted that he is a complete nightmare to get down.

Ive tried shushing & patting, cuddling, pick up put down, rocking, breastfeeding, baby wearing, the pram - none of it works.

Patting may possibly work (normally does) if he wasnt constantly sitting or pulling up. What do i do about this? If i lie him back down every time id be doing it literally every two seconds - ive barely laid him down before he's up again.

The only way he will have an afternoon sleep now is in the car. This is NOT a habit i wish to start as i dont drive (dh is currently home but will be returning to work soon).

How on earth do i get him down for an afternoon sleep? Please note im not interested in CC or CIO methods.

Cut down on the morning sleep? Maybe wake baby earlier from the previous nap? If baby is just starting to cruise or crawl, there's a lot of exploring to do and sleep is unattractive for a few days.