Cleft lip and palate are congenital conditions that occur when a baby’s lip or mouth do not fully form during early pregnancy. A cleft lip appears as a split or opening in the upper lip, which can range from a small notch to a large gap that extends up into the nose. A cleft palate involves an opening in the roof of the mouth, which can affect feeding and speech development. These conditions can occur individually or together and may vary in severity. Treatment typically involves surgery to repair the cleft, along with ongoing care from a team of specialists, including pediatricians, dentists, and speech therapists.