Hi J.,
I used a crib tent when my daughter was 13 months old. She had somehow figured out a way to get out (and she is short and she did not have any toys or bumpers in her crib. I have no idea how she got out!) Anyway, the tent worked awesome. It definately kept her in. However, she HATED the tent. She would cry and cry when I zipped it up. We did have to change our bedtime and naptime routines. I had to rock her until she was asleep and then try to stealthily zip the tent shut without waking her. (its much harder to do than you would think!)
I got tired of the tent after a few months though. It was a complete pain in the arse to change her bedding. So after about 5 months with the tent I removed it. And weirdly, she does not try to get out now! (she is 19 months now) But at this point, I think if she starts getting out, we will just move her to a bigger bed anyway. And from what I have heard, no child actually sleeps in their bed right away. They always get up at some point. I'm quite sure naptime will be an even bigger battle too. (its already a battle with her. She has never been a good napper) I think what we will do is just get a child proof knob for her side of the door and then maybe a video monitor since I am forever checking on her and her door makes lots of noise when I try to open it. or do the two gate idea. (which would actually be cheaper, so that might be the route we take in the beginning.)
Sorry to ramble so much. I feel your pain!