Fastening Diapers on Shabbat
There is much discussion in halachic literature regarding the permissibility of using disposable diapers on Shabbat. Some authorities argue that using such diapers on Shabbat is a violation of the melacha of tofer, sewing. According to the principles of tofer, it is generally forbidden to combine or attach two items together. This is especially true when using glue and other adhesive type materials to do so.[1] As such, the use of disposable diapers, which are fastened to the baby by means of a sticky tab, appears to be problematic.
The authorities who forbid the use of such diapers on Shabbat argue that the fastening is actually a major violation of tofer.[2] This is because the sticky fasteners hold the diaper in place so well that one must often rip the diapers open with exceptional force in order to remove them. This form of attachment may have the status of a “permanent attachment” which is the most severe violation of tofer. In fact, separating items that have been permanently attached to each other is often a violation of the melacha of koraya, ripping, as well. Some authorities even forbid temporary attachments on Shabbat.[3]
Nevertheless, many authorities allow the use of such diapers, and common custom is in accordance with this view.[4] This is because most diapers today are made in a way that allows the sticky fastener to be easily opened and re-fastened as needed. This re-usability feature negates most of the concerns regarding tofer, as “temporary” attachments are generally permitted on Shabbat.[5] Indeed, many brands of diapers have a designated place on the front of the diaper where the sticky adhesive is meant to be fastened in order to avoid unnecessary ripping and to allow for easy removal.
Some authorities forbid the removal of the paper coverings that are placed upon the sticky tabs of new diapers. They argue that these paper coverings might be a type of a permanent attachment from the perspective of halacha. As mentioned, it is a violation of the melacha of koraya to remove any permanent attachment on Shabbat. Other authorities argue that since the purpose of these paper coverings is merely to protect the sticky flaps and ensure their adhesiveness until use, there is no reason that they should be deemed a “permanent attachment.”[6] Nevertheless, some authorities recommend that one try to comply with the stringent view by removing these paper coverings before Shabbat.[7] In fact, one can remove and then immediately replace them before Shabbat. Such “re-affastened” coverings are not considered to be a “permanent attachment” according to any opinion.[8]
According to many authorities, one should not fasten the tabs back onto the diaper as a means of sealing the diaper for disposal when removing the diaper from the baby. This would be considered a “permanent attachment” since the dirty diaper will never again be opened.[9] Other authorities are not particular about this considering that it is merely being done in order to discard the diaper. Cloth diapers that are fastened with a safety pin pose no halachic problems on Shabbat. So too, it is permitted to use Velcro on Shabbat, and diapers fastened in this way pose no halachic problem.[10]
On a related note, it is permitted to use diapers on Shabbat that change colors when soiled.[11] Additionally, one might be surprised to learn that it is permitted to change a diaper in a room that contains sefarim.[12] Most authorities permit women to use sanitary pads that are fastened to their undergarments by means of an adhesive backing, comparing it to the use of disposable diapers on Shabbat. See my “Da’at V’din” regarding the use of baby wipes on Shabbat.
[1] Rambam, Hilchot Shabbat 10:11; OC 340:14.
[2] Shraga Hameir 3:107:3; Minchat Yitzchak 8:31.
[4] Shevet Halevi 5:78; Tzitz Eliezer 16:6; Az Nidberu 7:35; Rivevot Ephraim 4:97:96, 7:340:9, 8:463:2.
[5] Magen Avraham 340:18; Shevet Halevi 5:31,40. See also: She'arim Metzuyanim B’halacha 80:45.
[6] Yechave Daat 6:24.
[7] Shemirat Shabbat K’hilchata 16:81; Az Nidberu 13:25; Shevet Halevi 5:78.
[8] Tzitz Eliezer 16:6.
[9] Orchot Shabbat 35,36.
[10] Shemirat Shabbat K’hilchata 15:78.
[11] See Yechave Daat 4:29. See also: http://eretzhemdah.org/newsletterArticle.asp?lang=en&pageid=48&cat=7&newsletter=1329&article=5008.
[12] See: http://www.dinonline.org/2011/03/02/changing-diapers-in-front-of-sefarim for the explanation. But see Avnei Derech 7:151 for an opposing view.