Some infants have clefts of both the lip and the palate.
Infections are initially treated with antibiotics. If infections cannot be controlled with medication, or if a hearing loss is detected, the baby may need placement of drainage tubes inserted in the ear at the same time as the lip or palate repair. The infant with a cleft lip and palate frequently develops chronic ear fluid and infection. Infections are initially treated with antibiotics. The first occurs around three months of life.