definately cuddle him. i tried the controlled crying for a week and not picking my DD up and it stressed me out so much, along with her. then i just went with the flow, if she wanted to be hugged, i would pick her up and let her sleep with us too (she has been co-sleeper pretty much right through). and last week, she went into a toddler bed for the first time and loves it. i really don't think you are creating a rod for your back. they grow out of it eventually. follow your motherly instincts, good luck