Bottle-Feeding a Baby with a Cleft Palate

Babies born with cleft palate, with or without a cleft lip, often require special bottles and feeding techniques to drink effectively.  Due to the opening between the mouth and nose, they are unable to create enough suction to draw milk out from the breast or standard bottles. You should work closely with your team for feeding support and guidance on the best feeding system for your baby.

To prepare for feeding, hold your baby in a comfortable, upright to semi-reclined position. This will hopefully minimize the amount of milk that may enter the nose. Your baby’s hands should be relaxed and positioned near their chin. Your treatment team can help you find the best position for you and your baby. 

When offering a bottle, it is important to place the nipple all the way into the mouth and centered on the tongue. Babies often adjust the nipple into a position that feels best for them.

When feeding your baby, listen and watch closely — your baby should have a coordinated suck, swallow, and breathe rhythm. Feedings should last 30 minutes or less.  Longer feeding times can tire your baby and will burn more calories than they are able to take in.

While feeding your baby with a cleft palate may seem a little different —the goals remain the same: adequate growth, feeding comfortably, and getting the right amount of milk. It may seem difficult, but we want you to remember that you’re doing great — and your cleft team is with you every step of the way.