Paediatric Surgery, by video or in person
Cleft Lip and Palate
The signs, the danger signs that mean hospital now, and how to see a doctor by video from anywhere in Nigeria.
Signs to look for
Cleft Lip and Palate
- A split in the upper lip, on one side or both, from a small notch to a gap reaching the nose
- A gap in the roof of the mouth, which may be hidden at the back
- Difficulty sucking, or milk coming out of the nose during feeds
- Slow weight gain
- Repeated ear infections or glue ear
A cleft is a gap or split in the upper lip, the roof of the mouth (the palate), or both. It forms very early in pregnancy, when the parts of the face do not fully join. It is one of the most common differences a baby can be born with, and one of the most treatable. Nothing the parents did caused it, and it is not a curse. With surgery, usually for the lip in the first months and for the palate before about eighteen months, and care as the child grows, most children with a cleft eat, speak, hear and smile well and go on to live full lives. Early help matters most for feeding in the first weeks and for speech later.
Medically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
Symptoms
- A split in the upper lip, on one side or both, from a small notch to a gap reaching the nose
- A gap in the roof of the mouth, which may be hidden at the back
- Difficulty sucking, or milk coming out of the nose during feeds
- Slow weight gain
- Repeated ear infections or glue ear
- Later, speech that sounds nasal
When to See a Doctor
Go to a hospital now if your baby has difficulty breathing, turns blue, chokes repeatedly during feeds, or is feeding very little, has few wet nappies, or is losing weight. See a doctor in the first days after birth for help with feeding, and ask for a referral to a cleft surgeon, so that the first repair can be planned at the right age.
Treatment options
- Feeding support from birth, with special bottles, teats or cups where needed
- Regular weighing, so your baby is growing well before surgery
- Cleft lip repair, usually at around three to six months
- Cleft palate repair, usually between six and eighteen months
- Hearing checks, and grommets for glue ear where needed
- Speech therapy, and dental and orthodontic care as your child grows
What it costs on Mezo
Starting cash prices for the treatments used for this condition.
Common Questions
Will my child be able to speak normally?
Most children with a repaired cleft speak well. Repairing the palate before about eighteen months and speech therapy where needed give the best result.
Can my baby breastfeed?
Many babies with a cleft lip alone can breastfeed. A cleft palate makes sucking hard, so expressed breast milk in a special squeezy bottle often works well. Ask for feeding help in the first days.
Will there be a scar?
There is a scar on the lip, which fades a great deal over time. Some children have a small revision later if the family wishes.
Is it too late if my child is older?
No. A cleft can be repaired at any age, and older children and adults still benefit. Earlier repair gives speech the best start.
Need Help?
A children's doctor on a video call, who tells you whether your child needs to be examined in person.
See a paediatrician by videoIf any of the danger signs on this page applies, go to the nearest hospital now instead.
Find a verified paediatric surgery specialist near you.
Paediatric Surgery in Lagos →Paediatric Surgery in Abuja →Paediatric Surgery in Port Harcourt →Paediatric Surgery in Jos →Paediatric Surgery in Ibadan →Sources and further reading
The guidelines and patient information this page is checked against. Care in Nigeria follows the same evidence; what differs is the price and where it is done.
- Cleft lip and palate. NHS. Patient information.
- Cleft lip and palate: treatment. NHS. Patient information.
Links last checked 3 November 2026.
Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.