CLEFT PALATE AND LIP Description Cleft lip is when there is a failure of the lip growth plates to fuse in utero. Cleft palate is the failure of the palate plates to fuse in utero. The two birth defects are partially genetic and partially due to the environment into which they were born. Babies with cleft palate or lip are unable to feed therefore need repair. Chances of cleft range from 1 in every 400 births to 1 in every 2000 births. Cleft Lip Cleft Palate Cleft Lip and Palate Claypa Trips First Day Screening Team Approach Operation Operating Recovery Room Repaired Lip Repaired Lip and Palate Repaired Lip Ready for Nasal Surgery Fun Trip!