How long to leave crying

[gonewiththerain]

How long is it acceptable/not cruel to leave a two year crying in their cot when putting them to bed? 30minutes, an hour, 1.5hours, two hours or more?
Whichever method I use, gradual retreat, controlled crying will lead to crying. There is a back story but I’d like some opinions first. Thanks

And I wouldn't ever leave a distressed child crying, it's really not good for them.

I don’t agree with leaving him crying, I have tried it in the past (too exhausted and desperate) but it didn’t do any of us any good and there have been many times of crying inconsolably when we have been trying everything to comfort him.
I really don’t want to go down the leave to cry route again. DP will support fully whatever I choose to do he says I’m the best one to make the decision about what we do.

Unfortunately he gave up his dummy a few months ago he had a sore mouth and it was uncomfortable so he gave them back to me! I had hoped to wean him first then bribe him to give up the dummy.
He has a pillow in his cot and a sheep skin. I think he’s like his own feather duvet and I’m more than happy to buy one for him but I’m not sure if he’s still a bit young at two. What age do you usually start with a duvet?