Your baby will need an operation to repair the cleft.

A cleft lip is usually repaired within the first six months of a baby's life. A cleft palate is usually repaired a little later, probably by the time the baby is a year old. If there is a gap in your baby's gums, this will be repaired as his or her second teeth are coming through. Most babies recover very quickly and will not experience much pain after these operations. Medication is given for any discomfort. When your baby comes to hospital for his or her operation, he or she will usually need to stay in hospital for three to five days.

Aspects of treatment may vary and this will depend on the type and severity of the baby's cleft.