Cleft lip is a congenital condition where a baby is born with a split or opening in the upper lip. This can occur on one side (unilateral) or both sides (bilateral) and may vary in severity. It happens during early pregnancy when the tissues that form the lip do not fully come together. Cleft lip can occur alone or in combination with a cleft palate, which is an opening in the roof of the mouth. Treatment typically involves surgery to repair the lip, often performed when the child is a few months old. Early intervention can help improve feeding, speech, and overall appearance.