Someone please reassure me I'm not evil!

[SalBow]

Do you think it's cruel to let your 8 month baby cry in their cot whilst you're with them the whole time, stroking their back, singing to them etc. DS is used to napping on me during day and co-sleeping at night.
Have been trying this today and finding it hard . Have tried many other things and this is a last resort.

No, it's tough but it's not cruel. You're not abandoning them. The baby is crying because he's not getting what he wants/expects, rather than crying in fear because he is alone.

Be consistent, don't put him to sleep in any othger way, and you will see improvement.

No your not evil.
I did this with DD one night cos she kept waking up at 1 and 5 and wanted nothing just to get up.

If it helps - I only had to do it 3 times.

no you're not evil or cruel! Agree with prettycandles about why he's crying.