Q. Both infant Huggies and Pampers (size N) have the "wet" line which will change color when the baby is wet. Is this also a problem on Shabbos as it seems from the post by Star K? Does it matter what age the child is. I beleive these are the only available Newborn size diapers. Most other brands start at size 1.
A. Pampers Swarddlers Sensitive and Huggies Newborn and size 1 carry the wetness indicator as a standard feature now. Indeed the Star K published in November an alert against their use on Shabbos and Yom Tov. However Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit”a is of the opinion that they could be used on Shabbos and Yom Tov since the melocho of tzovea or dyeing is by definition a creative and positive act. However when it is done “derech lichluch” as staining or soiling it is not tzovea. This is similar to the permitted use of a gauze in a wound smeared with blood or disposable paper napkins and tissues in cleaning coloured spills. The above is permitted even when it is done as a test or confirmation as in bedikah clothes or a wedding night bed sheet. See Mishna Berurah and Shaarei Tzion O.C. 320-20 , Biur Halocho O.C. 280, Shmiras Shabos 14-62.
Furthermore this is an indirect act, often done without intention (gromo, eino miskaven) and therefore it is unlike diabetic urine test sticks, where Poskim are stringent when not totally necessary (Shmiras Shabos 33 (81).
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit”a
PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING SENT TO US FROM STAR K:
Thanks for the e-mail. It was my mistake. I thought Rav Heinemann was machmir and I was mistaken the Rav said that is it mutar there is no meleches machsheves and we issued a retraction.
Important Numbers
