Some children are born with a cleft lip palate and while this birth defect may not seem like a big issue while they are younger, it can become troublesome as they grow older. A cleft lip palate impedes your child's speech, the way they eat, and their dental care routine. The appearance of the cleft lip can affect their self-esteem. In addition, bacteria and food buildup around this area can result in a dental infection. Therefore, it is important to have your child undergo cleft lift palate repair surgery as soon as possible to correct this issue. When your child undergoes this procedure, the recovery process is incredibly important. Fortunately, there are a few tips that you can use to ensure that their recovery is as smooth as possible.

Give them an Analgesic Tea to Drink

Your child will most likely have to fight off some pain and discomfort within the first few days after surgery. In order to help your child, you can craft analgesic teas to drink in order to numb the pain. This can be done successfully by placing dried chamomile and lavender leaves in a small pot. These herbs are best suited for children because they have a pleasant smell and are not too strong. Allow the herbs to soak in hot water overnight. In the morning, reheat the tea and add a few drops of honey. Serve the tea to your child throughout the day and they should notice a difference in how the surgical site feels.

Make Sure They Wear Their Arm Restraints

Your child's doctor will give you arm restraints for your child to use during their recovery process. The restraints are designed to keep your child from placing toys, food and other objects in their mouth that can end up compromising the surgical site. Their surgical site is extremely delicate within the first few days following the operation. Applying too much pressure to the area or transferring bacteria can result in future surgeries. Therefore, it is important to make sure that your child keeps their restraints on at all times. You may also want to consider keeping the restraints on during feeding times. You can personally feed your child, regardless of their age.

Getting a cleft lip palate procedure as early as possible will help to minimize a lifetime of struggles. Use these tips to make sure that your child's aftercare is as solid as possible. To find out more, speak with someone like Shriners Hospitals for Children – Cincinnati.