E.M.
A. as a mom I know where you are coming from. Unfortunatelly letting them cry seems the only option. I am a mother of T. and please take it from me. The sooner you put your foot down the better and easier your sleep will get. Make sure that you and your husband are willing to work together on this issue. Make her enviroment comfortable give her a warm bath just before bedtime. Talk to your baby let her know you love her and it's time for bed. Put her down and walk away. She will cry just make sure she is okay and just let her cry. Your baby is still little and hopefully after T. or three days she will understand once you put her in her crib is time to go to sleep.
With my daughter I did the same thing. She turned 3 until my husband put his foot down took her away from my arms and he put her in the crib. She cried for almost 14 nights until she finally gave up. The longer you wait to do this, the harder it will be on you and on your daughter.
Good luck,
Elisa