Stroller marketing is loud, and most of it is noise. After testing strollers across every price range, here is what genuinely affects daily life and what is just a brochure bullet.

Features that matter - Fold size and ease. You will fold and unfold this thousands of times. A clunky fold is the number-one regret parents report. - Trunk and aisle fit. Measure your actual car trunk and your front door before buying. A stroller that does not fit your life is useless however good it is. - Recline depth. A near-flat recline matters enormously for newborns and nappers. Many cheap strollers only do an upright slouch. - Wheel quality. Smooth-rolling wheels with a little suspension make every walk easier, especially on cracked sidewalks.

Features that are overrated - Cup holders and parent trays. Nice, but you can add a $12 clip-on. Never let these drive a purchase. - Endless color options. They photograph well and change nothing about the ride. - Reversible seats on a city stroller. Useful for some, but they add weight and bulk many parents never use.

The honest test Before buying, do three things: fold it one-handed, lift it with one arm, and push it over a curb. If all three feel easy in the store, they will feel easy at 7 a.m. with a tired baby. If any feels awkward now, it will only get worse at home.