Question:Can I use baby-wipes on Shabbos?
Discussion:One of the melachos on Shabbos is “Dosh” (Threshing). One of the toldos of this melacho is “Mefarak” (squeezing) this is similar to the melacho of “Sechita”. A application of this Melacho is squeezing a liquid out of a wet cloth. Based on this there are some poskim that say that one should not use baby-wipes on Shabbos because when one uses them he is squeezing out the liquid on to the skin of the baby (Orchos Shabbos 13:46).

However, there are poskim (Rav Moshe zt”l) that permit using wipes for the following reason. Most of the liquid is not absorbed into the cloth, rather it is on the surface of the cloth (this is done so that it is easier to use the wipes). There are two things that one must keep in mind if he is going to follow this view. 1) Many wipes come attached and therefore they must be separated before Shabbos for Shabbos use. 2) The cloth should only be used while saturated. This means that once the cloth begins to dry out one should not use it on Shabbos. The reason for this is when it begins to dry one is forced to squeeze harder for the liquid to come out. This is certainly a problem of “Mefarak”. Additionally one should be careful to only wipe in a gentle way even if the wipes are still saturated. This is because if one wipes vigorously the liquid will surely be squeezed out.

Because of the issues involved with baby-wipes many people try no to use them on Shabbos. Instead they use tissues and water, making sure to first sprinkle water on the baby and then to use the tissue to wipe it away. Others will only use “kosher” brands which come with a hashgacha for Shabbos use. One should ask his own rav as to which way is the most appropriate.

Summary:There are different opinions regarding the use of baby-wipes on Shabbos. One opinion is that they should not be used. Rav Moshe zt”l held that they can be used, providing that the wipes are saturated with liquid. There are brands of baby-wipes that come with “hasgachas” as far as their permissibility of use on Shabbos. One should consult a rav as to which opinion to follow.