The attachment status of 24 infants with a cleft lip and palate (CLP) and 27 with an isolated cleft palate (CP) would differ from a matched group of 64 infants without clefts was determined . In addition, predictive characteristics of the infant, mother, and family/social context were examined in the 1st 3 months of life in relation to 12-month attachment classifications of CLP, CP, and comparison group participants. It was hypothesized that early medical and other stressors during infancy would lead to a higher rate of insecure attachments among participants with clefts. Several tests were used including the Infant Behavior Questionnaire. Results show that no significant group differences in attachment status were found. For the cleft group, infant and maternal characteristics, but not family characteristics, significantly predicted insecure attachment. For the comparison group, maternal and family characteristics, but not factor associated with the infant, were predictive. Contrary to social-psychological formulations, the facial appearance of infants with CLP had no adverse effect on the quality of their maternal attachment.