How to use them?
"If I wear a size 42 or larger, am I required to buy shoulder strap protectors to wear the carrier in a front carry position with the straps crossed?"
No, it's perfectly comfortable to wear it in a front carry position with the shoulder straps crossed and without the shoulder pads. However, comfort is a very personal concept.
That is why this option exists: for those (size 42 and above) who wish to avoid direct contact of the straps with the lower back , depending on their morphology.
Cloud shoulder strap protectors are very easy to install, thanks to their snap button and Velcro strips .