Linda- i saw this episode on super nanny with exactly the same situation.
1st - i agree with everyone else a gro bag is a great idea.
2nd- super nanny told the parents to place their child in the cot making sure to give a cuddle and a kiss, then sit near the cot, facing away and definatly not making eye contact, she will cry but each nite it gets easier. When the first 10 minutes are over gradually move your way closer to the door, still sitting down on the floor. Eventually you are out the door and Emma should be asleep. The first nite it took the parents 30mins for their child to sleep. The next nite it was 20mins and then it got less and less to the point the parents would put the baby down and sleep by herself.
The baby sleeps as she finds comfort that she knows you are not going to run out of the room, she will learn to trust that you are near her.
Hope it works!