Cleft lip and cleft palate, commonly known as “harelip” and “lupus”, are caused by an obstruction in the development of the upper lip and palate during embryonic life. The incidence of cleft lip and palate is about 1 in 800 to 1 in 1000, more in males than females. Cleft lip and palate can be unilateral or bilateral; complete or incomplete; complete cleft lip and palate are often accompanied by cleft alveolar ridge. The causes of abnormal embryonic development are also genetic in a few cases, and most of them are due to external causes, such as viral infections, drug intoxication, hypoxia, mechanical injuries, immune reactions, environmental pollution, etc. Cleft lip can damage the child’s appearance, and cleft palate can affect the child’s pronunciation. Children with cleft lip and palate have difficulty sucking and some are prone to upper respiratory tract infections, so parents should pay special attention to their nutrition and care. The timing of cleft lip and palate repair surgery varies from hospital to hospital, but our hospital advocates surgery for cleft lip after 2 months of age and cleft palate around 2 years of age. For children with both cleft lip and cleft palate, the surgery is usually performed in two sessions, with the cleft palate being performed 3-6 months after the cleft lip repair. Newborn children can also undergo cleft lip repair if their parents request it urgently, but the results are not superior to those who undergo surgery after 2 months, and the risks of surgery and anesthesia, as well as the difficulties of care, are greater. Whether cleft lip or cleft palate, while waiting for surgery, parents should ensure the child’s nutrition and normal development and avoid respiratory infections so that the child can undergo surgery in a healthy general state. If a newborn has a wide cleft, or a high front jaw in those with bilateral cleft lip, it is best for parents to contact the hospital as early as possible.