What is a common feeding concern for children with cleft lip?

Children with cleft lip, especially when associated with cleft palate, often experience difficulties with breastfeeding. This is primarily due to the inability to create an effective seal around the breast, which is necessary for proper suction during feeding. The anatomical differences presented by the cleft can lead to challenges such as poor latch, lack of adequate suction, and potential airway concerns. This can result in frustration for both the child and the breastfeeding parent, impacting the child's ability to obtain sufficient nutrition.

While other options may represent issues that can be observed in children with cleft conditions, they do not directly address the primary feeding challenge associated with cleft lip. For instance, solid foods may be introduced later in development, excessive drooling is more related to the structural anomalies and less to feeding, and increased appetite can vary widely among individual children. Therefore, the inability to breastfeed is a specific and notable concern for children with cleft lip, making it the correct answer.