Are there special feeding issues for babies born with cleft lip or cleft palate?
A baby with only cleft lip usually does not experience feeding problems other than learning to attach to the nipple at the start of the feeding. Special nipples are currently available, if needed, to assist in feeding. A baby with both a cleft lip and cleft palate, however, or with a cleft palate only, may need to be fed differently because there is an open area between the nose and mouth. It is best to hold the baby in an upright position to decrease the chance of milk leaking into the nose. Cleft palate babies also may swallow more air; thus frequent burping may be necessary. The important point to remember is that the baby needs to receive proper nourishment through feeding. The baby s weight should be checked on a regular basis by a physician to ensure that he or she is gaining adequate weight. Will a child with cleft lip or cleft palate have special dental needs? All children require dental care; however, children with cleft lip or cleft palate require early evaluation by a dentis
