i dont think you'd class what i do as controlled crying - i put my son down, and most babies have a whinge/cry before they go to sleep. so i just let him whinge until i can tell he's getting himself worked up, and then i go in and pat him until he settles down, but not til he's asleep and then leave the room again. i usually only have to do this once or twice before he puts himself to sleep. so maybe stay with him until he's settled down (stopped crying) and then leave the room. i think they tend to get even more upset if you leave the room while their still crying.