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I've tried a lot of different carriers and slings and the ergo is the only one that doesn't hurt my back/shoulders.. My baby is almost 6 months and big for his age. I'm 5'6 also and petite.

I would really look in to Beco carriers! You're able to cross the straps to more evenly distribute weight and it feels more secure at the same time (good for narrow shoulders). The Beco Gemini can be used from birth with no infant insert and is good til the kiddo is 35 lbs. The Beco Soleil is what I have and can be used from birth with an infant insert or without the insert from 15-45 lbs. They are amazing carriers and what I always recommend to people!

The Ergo!! I wore DS around in it all day long when we were on vaca while walking and site-seeing. Never feels like I'm even wearing him. I love that thing and so glad DS did too!

@Astro Bee: I have broad shoulders, but used both an ergo and beco. I think the beco is a little better early on, but she did outgrow it before outgrowing the ergo (not until 18 months though!) I like that you can cross the straps on the beco though, and that you have the option of forward facing when they get a little older (but my LO never liked that anyway.) DH and I both wore the beco no problem.

There are a bunch! Bjorn gets some flack in the Babywearing community for being uncomfortable and turning people off from babywearing. Ergo is probably the most common but some other well-loved brands are Beco, Lillebaby, Tula, and Kinderpack (although Kinderpacks currently have high demand outpacing supply so they are hard to get ahold of). If you want to try out a bunch of options, see if there is a Babywearing International (BWI) group near you...they will have a lending library of carriers that you can try on at a meeting (or borrow if you pay for membership). The meetings are facilitated by expert babywearing educators who can help you understand how to adjust it for maximum comfort (for you and your husband).

I love my Ergo! It's always been super comfortable and very easy to take on/off. It adjusts easily and my husband likes it too. We used the infant insert until she was probably 4 months old, then used the pillow until she was around 6 months old.

I think the ergo would work well for your height. It doesn't strain shoulders. I don't like it personally but I think I am too short for it so it puts pressure on my lower back. DH is your height (hehe) and he likes it.

We love our ergo too! I skipped the newborn insert and waited until she was about ten pounds to use it, at that point I used a rolled up muslin blanket or a thick burp cloth instead to prop her up a bit.

Going to the store to try on options is a great idea. I encourage you to try the carriers on your back with a weighted doll (every store with carriers I have been to has them). While the ergo fits me beautifully for front carries, it fits oddly on my back. A mama at the baby wearing group I belong to kindly pointed out that most women can fill out the carrier better on the front than on their back. I am currently looking for another carrier so I can wear her on my back.

I found Tula the best for my shoulders. I carry DD who is a 2.5 year old and is about 32lbs on the bus and walk to her school. I found putting the "hip" strap higher to your natural waist really helps distribute the weight. Also what other bees mention about adjusting the shoulder straps. I too would recommend finding a store (maybe a mom and pop shop (I found those stores are certified in baby wearing), big store brands I find are not very knowledgeable) that can help you find a carrier that is most comfortable for you and fits your needs.

I have a beco Gemini and love love love it. I could wear my son for hours without any back or shoulder pain.

@Astro Bee: Mobys were way too complicated for me too, I ended up with a K'Tan but it was a purchase that did not last long. I loved it and would buy it all over again.

I would definitely stop by the store, bring your LO and tell them what you're thinking about using the carrier for. we used the carrier at Disney World and it worked really well for us because we were able to back and front carry in the tula while waiting in line and when we wanted her to nap.

I believe you can rent a tula on their website

Tula! It is far more comfortable than my Ergo. I never realized how diggy the Ergo was on my shoulders until I got a Tula.

Loved our boba 3G for birth until 18 months and then we got a toddler Tula. Both of these were very comfortable!