Cranky toddler after naps

Hi all. About 6 weeks ago now, we took away our DS pacifier. It went very well and he only asked for it twice. He slept well and everything. Well, i have come to notice, that since then he wakes up from his afternoon very cranky. He cries and carries on for over an hour most times. I realize the thing that would sooth him the most is now gone. Any suggestions on what to do or try?

I usually hold him and we watch his favorite tv show and try to have a snack at some point. And he is now 2 years 3 months old. Thanks for any and all help.
Susan

Does he sleep as long as he used to? I just wonder if he is sleeping differently now without the paci? Is he growing through a growing spurt?
Maybe putting him down an hour earlier might help?

big hugs

Thanks for replying. We actually started talking to him about waking up from naps being happy. And he loves the phrase "happy baby" even though he is not a baby. So, we told him he needs to be a happy baby when he gets up. Things have been so much better. We get maybe 5 minutes of whining/crying and then he settles right down and just wants to play.

I appreciate your advice though. Susan

:) glad things are getting better.