I agree with the "whinge it out" way.

I did it much earlier than my friends who went on to have terrible troubles. I recomend sooner rather than later.

I do the whole routine: tea, play, bath, book, bottle, cuddle, goodnight everyone, bed. I always rub her tum a few times and say they same thing "good night darling, have a good sleep" then turn and walk out without looking back.
If we are out in the evening we still do bottle, cuddle, goodnight everyone, bed. That seems to be enough.

Sometimes there are nights when DD is teething or overtired and gets upset with the idea. She will stand up in her cot before I even get out the room, there are tears and pleading to be picked up. I just stay calm, lay her down repeatedly till she stays there long enough to do the tummy rub and say my line. I have had nights when I've done it 20 times before she gives in. The key is to be consistant and calm. The calm bit I learned from experience on bad nights when I got cranky: it was much worse.

Hope things improve quickly for you!!!! let us know how you go.