The size of a burn for a baby or young child can be quickly estimated by using the “rule of nines.” This method divides a baby’s body surface area into percentages.

• The front and back of the head and neck are 21% of the body’s surface area.
• The front and back of each arm and hand are 10% of the body’s surface area.
• The chest and stomach are 13% of the body’s surface area.
• The back is 13% of the body’s surface area.
• The buttocks and genital area are 6% of the body’s surface area.
• The front and back of each leg and foot are 13.5% of the body’s surface area.