There are stroller features you notice immediately: the color, the fold, the wheels, the basket, the way the seat reclines.

Then there are the things you don't think about until you're standing in a parking lot with a baby in one arm and a stroller in the other.

Those are the things worth thinking about before you buy.

A stroller is one of those pieces of baby gear that can become part of your daily routine for years. So instead of getting caught up in every feature and specification, here are seven real-life details that are easy to overlook—and surprisingly important once you're actually using your stroller.

1. Where will you put it when you're not using it?

Your stroller has to fit somewhere.

That sounds simple, but a full-size stroller can take up considerably more space than you might expect. Think about your entryway, garage, mudroom, closet, or wherever you picture parking it between outings.

And don't forget your car.

Before buying, take a look at your trunk or cargo area. If you can, bring measurements with you when you shop.

A stroller doesn't have to disappear into your car—but you should know exactly how much room it's going to take up.

2. Can you fold it when you're distracted?

Because eventually, you probably will.

Maybe you're trying to fold the stroller while your toddler is asking for a snack. Maybe you're holding a baby. Maybe you're standing in a parking lot while it's starting to rain.

A fold that feels perfectly easy when you're calmly testing it in a store can feel very different when you're doing it one-handed and in a hurry.

When you test a stroller, don't just ask whether it folds.

Try folding it yourself.

Open it. Close it. Do it again. See how intuitive the process feels to you.

3. What's going to live in that basket?

The baby is only part of what you'll be carrying.

Diaper bag. Blanket. Water bottle. Snacks. Shopping bags. Extra clothes. A random toy that absolutely cannot be left at home.

Stroller storage can quickly become some of the most-used real estate you have.

Look at the basket's size and accessibility—not just whether it technically has one. Can you reach it easily? Can you get things in and out without fighting with the seat?

It may not be the most exciting stroller feature, but you'll probably appreciate it more than you expect.

4. How does it feel when you're actually pushing it?

A stroller can look great online and still feel completely different in person.

Pay attention to how it turns, how it handles corners, how easy it is to maneuver with one hand, and how comfortable the handle feels.

If you live somewhere with uneven sidewalks, spend a lot of time outdoors, or regularly walk through parks, think about how the stroller feels over different surfaces, too.

This is one reason we always recommend getting your hands on a stroller before making a decision whenever possible.

Push it. Turn it. Stop it. Start it again.

You might be surprised by which one feels best to you.

5. What happens when your child gets bigger?

A stroller can feel completely different once your newborn becomes a curious, squirmy toddler.

Consider how the seat adjusts, how much room your child has, how easy it is to get them in and out, and whether you'll still enjoy using the stroller as they grow.

If you're hoping to use one stroller for several years, think beyond how it works with a tiny newborn.

Picture your two-year-old in it.

That's when some of the details you didn't notice at first can suddenly become very important.

6. Are you going to be carrying more than one thing?

Your stroller isn't necessarily traveling alone.

Maybe you're attaching an infant car seat. Maybe you'll add a cup holder, snack tray, organizer, or other accessories. Maybe you're bringing a second child along someday.

Before buying, look at the stroller as a whole system.

If you're considering an infant car seat and stroller combination, check compatibility and think about how the pieces will work together in your actual routine.

A stroller that works beautifully as a standalone can feel very different once you've added everything you plan to use with it.

7. What will annoy you after the hundredth time?

This might be the most important question of all.

Not every stroller feature needs to be impressive. Some just need to make your life easier.

Maybe you really care about a quick fold. Maybe you hate fighting with a small basket. Maybe you know you'll be carrying your stroller upstairs. Maybe you want a seat that's easy to adjust while you're on the move.

Think about the little things you know you'll do over and over and over again.

Those are the features worth prioritizing.

The Best Stroller Is the One That Fits Into Your Actual Life

There is a reason there are so many different strollers.

Families use them differently.

Some need something substantial for everyday walks. Some want a stroller that can grow with their family. Some need something compact for travel. Others want a little more storage, a smoother ride, or a fold that takes up less room in the trunk.

At Galt Baby, you'll find strollers from brands including UPPAbaby, Nuna, Bugaboo, Silver Cross, Cybex, Peg Perego, Maxi-Cosi, and Joolz and more, with different designs and features to suit different needs.

And while researching online can help narrow things down, there's something to be said for actually getting behind the stroller.

Because sometimes you don't know what matters to you until you push it.

Stop by Galt Baby to compare strollers in person, ask questions, and get a feel for what fits your routine.

Visit our Northbrook store for the most variety of baby gear, or stop by our Michigan Avenue location in Chicago.

Your stroller is going to go on a lot of adventures with you.

It should make those adventures easier—not give you one more thing to wrestle with.