Jewish Law
Daily Halacha: Shabbat Halacha: Bathing and Grooming Children
Learn what’s allowed when it comes to brushing hair and getting children ready before Shabbat ends
Is it permitted to bathe children and dress them in sleepwear before Shabbat ends?
Yes, it is allowed if this is something you normally do at that time on regular weekdays too. The key point is that it should not be done with the specific intention of getting things ready for after Shabbat ends.
(Based on Yalkut Yosef)
Is it permitted to comb children’s hair on Shabbat?
Using a comb on Shabbat is not allowed. Similarly, one should not braid or undo braids (plaits) on Shabbat, because this is considered similar to the forbidden acts of building or dismantling.
Also, hair creams or gels should not be applied to a child’s hair on Shabbat, due to the halachic issue of smoothing. However, using oil like a gentle natural oil is permitted.
(Based on Yalkut Yosef)
Ach Tov V'Chesed – Daily Halacha
