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R is a social butterfly. i thought we were running into stranger danger at 10 months, but i realized it was the unfamiliar PLACE, not the people. once she knows a place, she doesn't care who is there! so when we've gone to YMCA or church child care, i always sit there for a minute while she gets used to her surroundings and finds a new friend or toy to play with and then i wave bye bye and she's fine.

LO is an outgoing toddler at daycare and comfortable around family but she still needs an adjustment period in new/unfamiliar settings.

My son was home with me for 2 years, he was always social, but he always had me in his line of sight. If I tried to leave him somewhere, no good. He'd cry uncontrollably for the entire time I was away, to the point where I had to come back.

Eventually, he's gotten over it, but there are still times when he's got separation anxiety, so I think it's less to do with the childcare, it's his personality, and it will likely be like this part of the time forever!

My daycare kiddo is still sooo shy and very cautious of new people.

Anything in routine? Totally outgoing and happy go lucky, but any change or new person, she is shy as heck and takes a while to warm up. She isn't outgoing in a new social setting, and is quite content hanging out on our lap watching.

I don't think it's a daycare vs. not at all, totally kid specific personality

I think that is all personality. My little guy has been in school since he was 18 months old and we had multiple hard transitions with school, people etc. and kids go through phases too where it is easier or harder to go to people. There are some real differences in daycare and sah kids which even out by kindergarten. Often (because like everything else it isn't everyone) they are ready for independent classes (like gymnastics) slightly earlier because they already have other teachers. But sah kids and daycare kids can be just as cautious each time.

My kid is so clingy you would never guess he is in full time school or that I work.

I stay home, and my eight month old is a very social, curious gal. She allows most, if not all, family and friends to engage with and hold her. However, I usually have to let her be and give some distance. If she sees me, she'll reach for me and whine.

DD is home with a caregiver all day and has only had a few occasions of stranger danger. We went to dinner the other night and she ran over and hugged our waiter. (!)

I think it depends more on their personality/mood. DD1 went to daycare from 6 months and was much less outgoing than DD2 who is home with me! DD1 is a lot more outgoing now, but she is almost 4.