Cleft Lip and Palate in Children: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

What is a Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate? How does it affect children?

Cleft palate and hare lip are conditions that are linked to each other. In the fetus growing in the womb, the palate (top part of the inside of the mouth) is formed in two parts. And then finally they join each other and become one.


If the tissues in the upper lip fails to joining the middle a gap is formed, mostly below the nostril. Sometimes, there is one gap below the nostril called the “unilateral cleft lip” and in some instances the child may have one below below each nostril called the “bilateral cleft lip”.

What factors cause Cleft Palate in infants?

• If fusion of the palate fails in any part a cleft palate or hare lip is the result.
• A hare lip is visible externally. It is a gap in the middle of the upper lip.
• A cleft palate on the other hand can be seen only if you look inside the baby’s mouth. A gap can be observed in the roof of the mouth. Both these conditions cause hindrance and interfere with the feeding.

What are the Symptoms of Cleft Lip and Palate?

1. In normal conditions when the baby wants to suck, the tongue needs to move along the palate. But if there is a gap then this action is affected. Due to the gap in the upper lip, the baby is not able to grip the nipple properly and hence breastfeeding may be tough. In such cases, special squeeze bottles may be used to help feed the child.
2. Some babies will find it difficult to adjust and may lose weight initially.
3. Children with cleft lip may find it difficult to speak. But with some speech therapy this condition can be improved. In some cases, children will have to undergo surgery to correct this condition.
4. Some children affected by cleft lip and palate may experience problem with the growth of their jaw and teeth. In such cases, proper care advice and follow ups with a orthodontist will help minimize problems.

How do I manage, prevent or treat Cleft Palate? When is a surgery for cleft lip recommended?

• Special teats (rubber ends of a baby’s feeding bottle) are available for formula-fed babies to make feeding easy.
• These children can undergo plastic surgery to improve conditions.
• If one of your child has a cleft lip, you may want to consult your doctor about taking precautions for your next child. Overall, a healthy pregnancy should minimize problems. Avoid alcohol and smoking completely all through your pregnancy.
• Check with your doctor about discontinuing medicines, steroids etc during pregnancy that may affect your child, while ensuring that this does not have adverse affect on your health either.
• Surgery for Cleft Lip and Palate: Surgery can be undertaken to correct this condition after the baby is at least 3-6 months old. The surgery is done under general anesthesia and may take an hour or so. The baby may have to be in the hospital for 3-5 days. Advanced surgery may be performed in later stages of life based on the child’s condition of speech and other physical factors.

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