Simplified method of feeding infants born with cleft palate with or without cleft lip.

Most infants born with a cleft palate with or without cleft lip are undergrown and have histories of difficult feeding. For the past two years, all of the infants born with isolated cleft palate with or without cleft lip, referred to the Boston Floating Cleft Palate Clinic, were fed using a simplified method. A standard nipple that was cross cut and a standard glass baby bottle were used. The infants were fed in the sitting position and burped frequently. Data indicating that nutrition in these infants is adequate as judged by weight gain was provided.