For the first time in Israel, and probably the whole world, a disposable diaper has received a mehadrin hechsher. Pampers Active Baby Dry disposable diapers have received a kashrus certification from HaRav Eliyahu Schlesinger, Av Beis Din and Rav of Gilo and Mekor Chaim as the "diaper which remains completely dry, and those who are concerned about sechita have nothing to worry about. Similarly, the closure is not with adhesive stickers but with Velcro which is surely permissible on Shabbos."
HaRav Schlesinger is Av Beis Din and Rav of the Gilo and Mekor Chaim neighborhoods of Jerusalem, and is also the halachic authority of the Religious Council in matters of Kashrus and the Eruv.
These are the two issues that arise for using disposable diapers on Shabbos: that handling them can involve an issur of squeezing out liquids on Shabbos, and that opening and closing them can involve issues of fastening them on Shabbos. Here a respected halachic authority has certified that these issues do not arise for Pampers.
The letter from HaRav Schlesinger
Translation of the Letter of HaRav Schlesinger
I hereby certify that I have seen the diapers of the Pampers Active Baby Dry company and am convinced that after use, the diaper remains altogether dry, and those who are wary of the prohibition of sechita - wringing dry, have nothing to be concerned about.
Similarly, the closure is not done by adhesive with the need of removing a sticker but by Velcro which is certainly permissible on Shabbos. I have examined this in the past before HaRav Wosner and he, too, approved of it as is brought in the responsa works "Shoalin v'Dorshin", vol. 3, siman 63. Accordingly, it is permissible for use by those exactingly regarding the word of Hashem.
Diaper Gemach
Since 2012, the Pampers importers have operated a Pamper diaper gemach in forty locations throughout the country by volunteer families. The gemach aims at easing and helping parents who find themselves stuck without a supply. For information about the nearest one to you, call: 03-6060676.
A Few Diaper Facts
Babies wear a diaper for an average of four hours during the day but usually use only one diaper for some twelve hours during the night. The amount of liquids produced in a night can reach 240 ml.
A baby's skin is sensitive to touch and temperature during sleep as well. Studies show that external changes like wetness can affect the quality of sleep.
Pampers Active Baby Dry are thinner and less dense, more comfortable and convenient, and the company claims that the baby wakes up in the morning as dry as when he was laid to sleep at night, with a diaper less swollen with liquids after a whole night. These diapers have new technology which allows for a rapid and uniform dispersal of liquids into the interior of the diaper.
