What diet can a child with cleft palate have?

Q: My child is 2 years old and his weight is 12 kg. He has been operated for cleft lip and cleft palate. As he was unable to eat solid foods, I am giving him in liquid form. Another surgery for the palate is remaining. What kind of a diet can I give my child till he is operated fully?

A:Till your child has been cured fully of the condition, you can give him everything but in a semi solid / semi-liquid / liquid form (whichever he is able to take in easily). All the foods that you would have otherwise given to him normally can be mashed / liquidised and given. In other words, give him a normal diet in a simple form. It is however important to avoid very spicy food. You can emphasize on protein sources to help healing process.