Interactiveness: "Look for seats with developmentally-appropriate toys to help stimulate your baby’s development," says Dr. Hunter. This may include an activity center with buttons, knobs and rattles to encourage fine motor skill development, or a musical bar that will introduce them to new sounds. Your baby floor seat may also include a removable tray. "This is convenient for feeding or playtime and provides additional support to prevent the baby from toppling forward," says Dr. Hunter.

Whether the seat includes any special features like an activity center or can be used as a booster seatProvide cushioned support: When your baby is able to hold themselves upright a little, prop them up on some cushions or a nursing pillow. Sit in front of them so you are available if they begin to tip (3). Joyce Slaton, Commerce Editor on the What to Expect editorial team, used the Bumbo with her daughter who loved sitting in it. “She'd clap and smile whenever I put her in it,” she says. “The foam material was very lightweight, it was easy to take the chair along to grandma's house. It was also easy to wipe clean, and comfortable for my daughter until she outgrew the leg slots.” Joyce — like many other parents — found that her baby outgrew the Bumbo faster than anticipated because the openings were too narrow for chubby legs. These floor seats, which are best suited for babies 3 to 5 months old who are able to control their heads, can help your little one learn how to sit up, a very important milestone. How we chose the best baby floor seats Age-appropriateness: Some seats are meant for young babies only, while others can convert into booster seats and be used well into the preschool and toddler years. These seats can be good investments because you can use them for many years, but might not be necessary if you already have a high chair or other feeding gear. Another bonus for parents who go from room to room, the seat is lightweight and has a handle for easier carrying.

Find a seat that is sturdy and comfortable. Decide whether you want a simple floor seat design or a more complex seat that includes additional accessories or converts to a booster or high chair. Although Christine Mattheis, Group VP of Content & Brand Solutions at What to Expect, was only able to use this seat for a few weeks before her daughter grew out of it, she found that it was a hit. “She used it for a few weeks and would sit there smiling, looking around — sitting up was a whole new experience for her,” she says. “But soon, her chubby little legs wouldn't fit through the holes.” But Kate Monahan, Senior Manager Data Operations at What to Expect, found that the seat lasted quite a while for her kids. “I have the Fisher-Price seat with both kids and I really liked it,” she says. “I bought a second one for our youngest because I wanted one on multiple floors. He’s on the long, lean side and sat in it up until about 9 months.” The more often you do this, the sooner their muscles will develop. When your baby is around six months, they will likely start to sit more independently. If they haven’t started sitting on their own by eight months, you may want to mention it to their pediatrician (7). Portability: You’re likely planning on using a floor seat around the house, whether you need to sit baby on the floor while you fold clothes or in the kitchen as you cook. Because of this, it may be ideal to prioritize seats that are lightweight and easy to move around without hassle. Some are designed to fold easily while others are made of lightweight material like foam. Are baby floor seats safe?

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Use sit-up toys: Use toys that encourage babies to sit tall when playing, such as the Vtech Busy Learner’s Activity Cube. Baby floor seats are safe when used correctly. Here's what you need to know about how to safely use a baby floor seat.