Cleft/Palate

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'Cleft lip and palate are birth defects of the lip and mouth, also known as orofacial clefts. Very early in pregnancy, a developing fetus has a split lip and palate, but around seven weeks of gestational age, the sides of the lip and the roof of the mouth should fuse. Failure of fusion results in cleft lip and/or cleft palate.

About 6,000 to 8,000 kids are born in the United States with orofacial clefts every year. The worldwide incidence of cleft lip with or without cleft palate is 1 in 700 births.
Cleft defects are more common in boys
Cleft defects are more common in specific ethnic backgrounds such as Asians and certain groups of American Indians or Alaska Natives and are less common in African-Americans
Less than 13 percent of patients have other birth defects'
Source: Cleft Lip and Palate | Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

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Cleft Lip

The lip forms between the fourth and seventh weeks of pregnancy. As a baby develops during pregnancy, body tissue and special cells from each side of the head grow toward the center of the face and join together to make the face. This joining of tissue forms the facial features, like the lips and mouth. A cleft lip happens if the tissue that makes up the lip does not join completely before birth. This results in an opening in the upper lip. The opening in the lip can be a small slit or it can be a large opening that goes through the lip into the nose. A cleft lip can be on one or both sides of the lip or in the middle of the lip, which occurs very rarely. Children with a cleft lip also can have a cleft palate. Source: CDC

Palate

The roof of the mouth (palate) is formed between the sixth and ninth weeks of pregnancy. A cleft palate happens if the tissue that makes up the roof of the mouth does not join together completely during pregnancy. For some babies, both the front and back parts of the palate are open. For other babies, only part of the palate is open. Source: CDC.

Common concerns from parents about cleft palates

Being the parent of a newborn with a cleft lip, cleft palate, or both can feel overwhelming. Simple things like feeding your baby might now be more complicated. Parents wonder how people may react when they see their baby has a cleft lip. Parents also worry how the cleft lip or cleft palate will affect their child long-term—socially and developmentally.

If you are worrying about any of these things or others, talk with your child's pediatrician. They can help answer questions and even direct you to a parent support group near you.

Source: Caring for Babies Born with Cleft Lip or Cleft Palate: AAP Report Explained - HealthyChildren.org.

Care & treatment from the cleft/craniofacial team

Various specialists will care for your child at different times and stages. The cleft/craniofacial team usually includes nurses, social workers, nutritionists, audiologists, speech-language pathologists, geneticists, pediatricians, dentists, orthodontists and pediatric surgeons (otolaryngologists, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, and plastic surgeons). These providers understand common concerns and know the answers to parents' questions.

First appointment: A newborn should see their cleft/craniofacial team within one week (or as soon as possible) from the day they first leave the hospital. In the beginning, the team will make sure the baby is feeding and growing well. The team will also check for other medical problems common in babies with a cleft lip or palate, answer parents' questions, and discuss the next steps for treatment.
Surgery: Surgical repair of a child's cleft is one part of the care that the cleft/craniofacial team provides.

Source: Caring for Babies Born with Cleft Lip or Cleft Palate: AAP Report Explained - HealthyChildren.org.

When will my child need surgery for their cleft?

The most common question parents have is, "When will my child have surgery to repair his or her cleft lip or cleft palate?" The AAP recommends initial reconstructive surgeries for cleft lip or cleft palate occur within the first year of life.

Cleft lip repair: A cleft lip usually is repaired between 3 and 6 months of age. Many things will determine the right time for surgery; the right time for one child may not be good for another.
Cleft palate repair: A cleft palate is commonly fixed between 9 and 14 months of age. If there is a separation in the gum line, it usually is repaired when a child is 8-10 years of age. A child's cleft/craniofacial team will determine the best time for cleft palate surgery.
Every child is different: Children with cleft lip and/or cleft palate often need additional surgeries and treatments as they grow. For example, they may need braces during childhood. Each child will need different numbers and types of surgeries—why individualized coordination of care is so important. Most children born with clefts will need regular visits to their cleft/craniofacial team until they are adults.

Source: Caring for Babies Born with Cleft Lip or Cleft Palate: AAP Report Explained - HealthyChildren.org.