Cleft lip and cleft palate are common birth differences that affect how your baby’s lip or mouth forms during pregnancy. The diagnosis might feel scary, but cleft conditions are very treatable. 

In fact, at Connecticut Children’s, we treat many children with cleft lip and palate each year. With the right care, children born with cleft lip and palate can grow, speak, eat and smile with confidence.

We can often detect cleft in pregnancy. When that happens, our craniofacial surgeons work closely with our fetal care experts to guide families like yours every step of the way.
 

What Is Cleft Lip and Palate?

A cleft lip is an opening in the upper lip that happens when the tissues don’t fully join together during early pregnancy.

A cleft palate is an opening in the roof of the mouth. It may affect the hard palate (front part of the mouth), the soft palate (back part), or both.

Some babies have only a cleft lip. Others have only a cleft palate. Many have both.

Cleft conditions can range from mild to more complex. Each child’s needs are unique.

Signs and Symptoms

The signs depend on the type of cleft.

A baby with a cleft lip may have:

  • A visible opening or separation in the upper lip
  • A notch in the lip or nose

A baby with a cleft palate may have:

  • An opening in the roof of the mouth
  • Difficulties eating as a newborn
  • Milk coming through the nose during feeding

As children grow, they may also live with:

Connecticut Children’s helps prevent or manage many of these challenges. Here, you have access to coordinated care from a team 100% dedicated to kids. We’re able to offer early interventions.

How Is Cleft Lip and Palate Diagnosed?

During Pregnancy

We can often see cleft lip during a routine prenatal ultrasound at 20 weeks gestation. Your care team may suggest more imaging, such as fetal MRI, which is better to define the hard and soft palate than ultrasound alone and to rule out other conditions.  

If your baby is diagnosed before birth, you’ll meet with both Fetal Care and craniofacial teams at Connecticut Children’s. During this visit, we:

  • Clearly explain the diagnosis
  • Discuss what to expect at delivery
  • Review feeding plans
  • Outline the timing of surgery for your baby’s first year of life
  • Answer your questions

This coordinated approach helps you feel prepared and supported before your baby is born.

Right After Birth

Sometimes we can’t diagnose cleft conditions until delivery. If your baby is born with a cleft lip or palate, our team evaluates your child promptly and creates a care plan right away.

Our dedicated lactation team will provide feeding support right away. This ensures proper nutrition and growth.

What Causes Cleft Lip and Palate?

A combination of genetic and environmental factors may cause cleft conditions. You didn’t do anything to cause it.
Sometimes cleft conditions are part of broader conditions related to genetics. We may suggest genetic testing if we suspect this.

Cleft and lip palate newborn baby

Cleft Lip or Palate Diagnosed During Pregnancy?

Care begins before your baby is even born. Here are a few things parents should know.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Our surgeons can close the cleft and greatly improve function and appearance. Most children go on to live healthy, active lives.

Many babies need special bottles or feeding techniques at first. Connecticut Children’s feeding specialists will work closely with you to ensure your baby gains weight and grows well.

Cleft lip repair does leave a scar. But our surgeons are experts at placing incisions to make it less visible. Over time, scars typically fade.

Sometimes. Many cleft conditions can happen without a family history. Consulting with our genetics team can help you learn more.

The number depends on the type and severity of the cleft. Some children need only one or two surgeries. Others may need more procedures as they grow. Our team will work with you every step of the way.

You’ll meet our fetal care and craniofacial teams before delivery. We’ll explain what to expect, coordinate care planning and ensure immediate support after birth.

How Does Connecticut Children’s Treat Cleft Lip and Palate?

We treat cleft conditions in stages. We time each stage to support your child’s growth and development.

Right At Birth

  • Specialized feeding support
  • Guidance from feeding and lactation experts

 Around 3–6 Months

  • Surgery to repair the cleft lip (if your baby has this)

Around 9–18 Months

  • Surgery to repair the cleft palate

Early Childhood

  • Speech therapy
  • Hearing monitoring
  • Dental evaluations

Later Childhood and Adolescence

  • Orthodontic care
  • Bone grafting (if needed)
  • Additional procedures to improve speech or facial symmetry

Our craniofacial team follows children from infancy through the teenage years. We want to ensure the best possible outcomes, both in appearance and function.

Our Multidisciplinary Cleft and Craniofacial Team

Cleft lip and palate affect feeding, speech, hearing, dental development, and facial growth. That’s why care from multiple specialists is essential.

Connecticut Children’s coordinated team includes:

Our families often see several specialists during a single visit. This makes care more convenient for you, and allows our team work together.

Why Choose Connecticut Children’s Cleft and Craniofacial Program?

Families trust our program because we provide:

  • Experienced surgeons who specialize in cleft repair
  • A coordinated, team-based approach
  • Care that can begin even before birth 
  • Long-term follow-up through teen years and beyond
  • Personalized support for each child and family

We partner closely with parents to create individualized treatment plans and provide guidance at every stage.