Diapers on Shabbat

Is there a problem in using diapers on Shabbat

Shalom!

Thank you for your question!

There is indeed much discussion in halachic literature on the permissibility of using the common disposable diapers on Shabbat.

There is a view that using such diapers is a violation of the melacha of tofer, sewing. Tofer is a general ban on combining or attaching two things together. It is especially problematic when such attaching is done with glue and other adhesives. It appears form here that fastening diapers to the baby with the commons sticky tabs is forbidden. Indeed, those sticky tabs hold the diapers so well that one must completely rip the diaper in order to get it off the baby. This type of attachment is the most stringent type of “tofer” attachment, and the ripping of the diaper to remove it might be a violation of the melacha of “koraya,” ripping, as well.

 Le'halacha authorities allow the use of such diapers because the more common sticky tabs are now made to be opened and closed repeatedly as needed. As such, the sticky tabs are considered to be “temporary” attachments and temporary attachments may be used on Shabbat. Furthermore, one will notice that many brands of diapers are removed without any ripping as the sticky tab is placed on a waxed type of surface allowing for easy opening and removal.  

That being said, there may be a problem with removing the paper coverings on that are on the sticky tabs. This is because by doing so, one is removing what may halachically be a “permanent” attachment and a violation of koraya. Others argue that since these paper covering are merely meant to ensure that the sticky tabs remain sticky there is no problem with removing them. Lechatcilah one should   remove these papers tabs before Shabbat in order to comply with the stringent view.

Velcro diapers are completely permitted to use on Shabbat as well as cloth diapers that are fastened with a safety pin.

Rambam, Hilchot Shabbat 10:11; OC 340:7,14.