Definitely better. Both times! They both loved it and I found that meant I didn't feel as bad leaving them as I was expecting. I have also seen that sometimes it is harder when they start later, as changes become harder for them as they get to a certain age (different for all kids). So 18 months might be easier for your DS than 2. I know my DS took longer to adjust to a new day care at 19 months, then to his first one at 7 months. This totally surprised me, but I also found that other changes started to upset him too, that hadn't phased him before that. I think this is just a normal thing that happens as their cognitive ability develops.

Do allow some time for him to settle in too. My boys both settled in really well, but other kids take a while. As with any change, kids can take time to adjust, so don't panic and get upset if he isn't the life of the party on the first day.

Just one other thing - often they are better off starting 2 days a week from the beginning as once a week is more disruptive for them. I found with my boys that they settled in more quickly when they were there 2 days than when they were there 1 (and the carers tell me this is normal).