If your child can fold themselves into a pretzel, show off double-jointed fingers, or casually drop into the splits, you’ve probably already figured out they’re extra bendy. But did you know that all that flexibility can also make bladder control a bit trickier?

So, What Exactly is Hypermobility? 

Hypermobility is when a child's joints move beyond the normal range because their connective tissues are extra stretchy. Some kids are just naturally bendy, while others have conditions like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) that make their tissues even more flexible.

It’s great for pulling off cool tricks at gymnastics or impressing friends with double-jointed fingers but sometimes, all that flexibility comes with a few surprises.

It’s not just joints that rely on connective tissue—organs do too, including the bladder. When those tissues are looser than usual, bladder control can get a bit wobbly. That’s why some hypermobile kids deal with leaks, sudden urges, or bedwetting.

But no stress, there are ways to make things easier.

Why Do Flexible Kids Have More Leaks?

So why does hypermobility make bladder control trickier? It all comes down to how those stretchy tissues affect the muscles and nerves that keep everything running smoothly. Here’s what’s going on:

Pelvic Floor Muscles on Chill Mode 

The pelvic floor is like a built-in hammock that holds up the bladder and helps control wees. But when these muscles are extra relaxed, they don’t always do the best job at keeping everything in. Even if your child is super active, their pelvic floor might not be strong enough to stop leaks, especially when they’re running, jumping, or laughing too hard at a joke.

Bladder Signals on Delay 

Some hypermobile kids don’t feel the urge to go until it’s almost too late. One minute they’re fine, the next it’s a full sprint to the toilet. And because their muscles don’t always squeeze effectively, they might not fully empty their bladder, which means more surprise leaks throughout the day. 

The Constipation Connection 

Bendy bodies often come with sluggish bowels. When things aren’t moving as they should, a full bowel can press on the bladder and make accidents more likely. Kids who experience constipation often have more nighttime accidents, as a backed-up bowel can limit how much the bladder can hold.

Wobbly Core, Wobbly Control 

Bendy bodies mean muscles have to work harder to keep everything steady—including the bladder. If a child’s core muscles are weak, their bladder doesn’t get as much support, making leaks more likely. Hypermobile kids often slouch or push their tummy forward, which can press on the bladder and cause sudden urges. 

Tired Joints, Slow Sprints 

Kids with hypermobility often deal with sore joints or muscle fatigue, which means getting to the toilet in time isn’t always a breeze. If their knees are aching or their legs feel like jelly, a quick dash to the bathroom—especially at night—can be tricky.

Helping Kids with Hypermobility Handle Leaks like a Pro.

Bendy bodies can mean busy bladders, but a few smart tweaks can make a big difference. Here’s how to help your kid stay dry and confident:

Pelvic Floor & Core Strengthening

Strong muscles help keep everything in check—especially when it comes to bladder control. A paediatric pelvic floor physio can teach simple exercises to build strength without overdoing it. And yep, even kids who can twist themselves into a human slinky can benefit from gentle pilates or yoga to support their core and bladder.

Bladder Training

Waiting until the last second to go? Not the best plan. A simple bathroom schedule—like popping to the loo every two hours—can help train the bladder and stop those last-minute sprints. It’s all about getting into a good routine so wees don’t sneak up out of nowhere.

Smart Hydration

Some kids drink less to avoid accidents, but that actually makes things worse. Less water = irritated bladder + constipation = more leaks. Instead, encourage regular sips of water throughout the day and ease up a couple of hours before bed. More hydration could mean fewer surprises.

Tackling Constipation

If the bowels aren’t happy, the bladder won’t be either. A fibre-packed diet, plenty of water, and movement can keep things moving. If constipation sticks around, a doctor can help with extra solutions. Bonus tip: rushing on the toilet? Big mistake. Taking time to fully empty makes a huge difference. 

Encouraging Proper Posture

Sitting slumped over can put extra pressure on the bladder, making leaks more likely. Teaching kids to sit upright on the toilet (feet supported with a little stool) can help them wee and poo more effectively. Small tweak, big impact.

Nighttime Support

Bedwetting isn’t something kids can control, so no guilt, no shame. Using aids like waterproof mattress covers, absorbent pants, and a soft nightlight for easier toilet trips can make nights less stressful. Some kids also do well with bedwetting alarms that train their body to wake up before an accident happens.

The Right Protection

Even with all the best tricks, accidents can happen—and that’s okay. Absorbent, comfy incontinence aids like Nundies pants keep kids dry so they can focus on playing, learning, and just being kids. Whether they’re scoring goals, hanging out with friends, or snoozing through the night, the right protection means no stress, no worries—just confidence.

When to Call in the Pros

If leaks are making life tricky and nothing seems to be helping, it might be time to chat with a paediatric physio or urologist. They can figure out what’s going on and offer tailored tricks to help with bladder control. 

Some hypermobile kids also have conditions like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), which can further complicate bladder issues—so getting expert advice can be a huge help.