There are many things parents need to be concerned about when their children travel in a car. Car manufacturers have made it easier for parents to pack their kids in cars so that they can enjoy these road trips.

“Manufacturers are really embracing http://www.cars.com”>family-friendly features, and not just in minivans,” says Jennifer Newman, editor at Cars.com. Parents should consider other entertainment options such as DVD players, including latch connectors, step-in height and other features that many people may not be aware of.

Newman lists the following 10 top features for families:

10. Simple-to-use Latch System. Although few automakers make Latch systems that are simple to use, some do. Latch systems are featured in the Mercedes-Benz E350 wagon, 2010 Chevy Transverse, and 2011 Toyota Avalon.

9. Flip-Up Trash bin Ring The Honda Odyssey 2011 has many family-friendly details. Cars.com’s favorite feature is the trash bin ring in the second row that can hold a grocery bag.

8. Ford’s MyKey. Ford’s MyKey is a safety feature that allows parents to maintain some control over their teenager drivers even when they are not in the passenger seats. Parents can restrict the car’s maximum speed and radio volume. Parents can also block certain satellite radio stations.

7. Sunshades integrated Retractable window shades eliminate the need to fiddle with aftermarket shades which barely cover rear windows and don’t protect children from the sun.

6. Easy-Folding Third Row. The 2011 Toyota Sienna allows you to fold the third row into the floor quickly and easily. A higher trim level will offer a power-folding row for the minivan.

5. Power sliding doors The power sliding doors allow children to easily get in and outside of their cars with the push of one button. You can also avoid the risk of your child opening a door to another car in a parking garage.

4. Inflatable Seat Belt. This safety feature is located in the backseat the all-new Ford Explorer 2011. These optional seat belts are similar to traditional seat belts but they expand in an accident to distribute the crash forces more evenly across the passenger’s chest.

3. Seat Belt Icon. Cadillac and Jaguar are both helping parents by displaying a simple icon on the car’s instrument panel which indicates who is buckled up in their backseat.

2. Backup Cameras. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration proposed recently that all cars should have a 180-degree view around them by 2014. This means that backup cameras will be required on new cars.

1. Expanding the Second Row. Honda is the clear winner. The 2011 Odyssey’s second row seats can be combined to create a bench seat that can hold three child safety seats. You can move the seats apart to create three individual seats with some shoulder room if there are adults in this position.