When caring for a 12-month-old infant post cleft palate repair, which method of feeding should the nurse recommend?

In the case of a 12-month-old infant post cleft palate repair, using a cup for feeding is the most appropriate recommendation. After such a surgical procedure, it is essential to avoid any methods that could create excessive suction or pressure in the oral cavity, as this could compromise the surgical site.

A cup allows for a gentle flow of liquid without the need for sucking, which is particularly important in the post-operative phase. It helps in avoiding the risk of trauma to the repair site and reduces the likelihood of complications such as aspiration.

While droppers, spoons, and straws could also be used for feeding, they are less ideal. A dropper could lead to aspiration if the liquid is given too quickly, and spoons might not be well accepted by the infant, potentially leading to greater mess and difficulty in feeding. Straws should be avoided as they require sucking, which places stress on the repaired palate and could disrupt the healing process.

Thus, using a cup promotes safe and effective feeding while ensuring the area heals properly after the procedure.