I want to clarify though as I explained in my original post, this child doesn't stop crying if I hold him. He stops instantly and smiles when his mom arrives. I have had new starters cry for as long as 10 weeks but there were things I could do to sooth them whether it be hold them, sit right next to them and play 1 on 1, or even have them sit in a highchair and observe from a distance...I've had two dcks who have been happy in a highchair and then I have gradually distanced myself from them and brought them out in small increments to join the group. This boy is 12mths next week so carrying him around on my back or front isn't good for me physically. Also this parent is still attachment parenting at home so nothing I do is being reinforced so I'm doing all this hardwork to have him settle and be happy and when he goes home all my hard work and effort is undone.