How long do you let a child cry it out for?

[Inspired by Reggio]

Depends on the age for me - I cannot do the CIO for sleep time with an infant specially a new one to my program ... if they do not already self soothe upon arrival I swaddle, pat their bum, help them to sleep the first few days and than slowly I wean how long I help so that they are still 'awake' when I stop so they learn they can fall asleep on their own ... usually takes me about a week and for me while it does cut down on my 'break time' initially it is just easier because everyone else is able to sleep and not disturbed and in the end I get them where I want - self soothing and sleeping a healthy 2.5 to 3 hours.

Now when they reach that age of 2 or so when they try the 'nap resistance' that I can CIO no problem with a firm reminder it is QUIET time and you need to lay still and be quiet - because they are a year more developed in language and understand and they still NEED their rest despite their cognitive struggle now that they realize time passes while they sleep so they keep themselves awake so not want to 'miss' anything by sleeping.