Most people use a cycle that involves 2 to 3 days straight together, 2-3 days apart. Put them together and go to work. Tell the kids to have fun and just check on them every 12 hours or so! Ok first time like my wife and I, so it is ok to look in more often, but if they are in a tub look through the front every 4 hours and try not to disturb them by pulling the tub out very often and use a red flash light with low batteries!