We have a portacot that meets Australian standards and has a very thin mattress base that secures to the bottom of the cot. Is it safe to use a fitted mattress protector and fitted sheet on the mattress in the portacot? Thank you.

If using a mattress protector (& sheet) it is important that it fits tightly (no risk of it coming loose) & not detract from the firmness of the cot/portacot mattress firmness.
Product Safety & Red Nose have the information about portacots

https://www.productsafety.gov.au/products/babies-kids/kids-furniture/folding-cots

Only use the firm, thin, well-fitting mattress that is supplied with the portable cot.
Never add a second mattress or additional padding under or over the mattress, which has been specifically designed for the portacot, as baby may become trapped face down in gaps between the mattress and the sides.
https://rednose.org.au/article/portable-cots

Remove plastic packaging from the mattress and always make sure that the waterproof mattress protector is strong and a tight fit. Never put soft bedding under the bottom sheet, such as a sheepskin, as this makes the sleeping surface too soft
https://rednose.org.au/article/what-is-a-safe-mattress

Are fitted padded sheets okay for hard/firm travel cots to make them a little softer? Your website says additional padding is not safe but that you can also use fitted sheets so what happens if it’s a fitted padded sheet? Thank you.

Hi Maddie
You are correct, additional padding on the portacot mattress is not recommended.
A fitted sheet is suitable to use, but not if it includes extra padding, which takes away from the firmness of the mattress.

Hi Maddie,
You are correct, additional padding on the portacot mattress is not recommended.
A fitted sheet is suitable to use, but not if it includes extra padding, which takes away from the firmness of the mattress.

Hi is this still the recommendation for 2 year olds? Our portacot came with a very thin hard mattress and the shop sold us another soft mattress to go on top. My little one isn’t quite ready for a bed yet but just trying to make his portacot more comfy for an upcoming trip.

Red Nose does not recommend adding a soft mattress for portacot.
Product Safety Australia (ACCC) develops safety standards in Australia, which Red Nose supports.
Does your cot meet Mandatory Australian & New Zealand standards (AS/NZS:2195)

Red Nose has the following information.
Only use the firm, thin, well-fitting mattress that is supplied with the portable cot. Never add a second mattress or additional padding under or over the mattress, which has been specifically designed for the portacot

Do not use a portable cot if your child weighs more than 15kg (or check instructions of your particular model).
https://rednose.org.au/article/portable-cots

Things to check:
Ensure your baby is within the age range for the portacot (most brands the weight limit is 15kg)
Ensure the locking mechanisms for the cot are working well.
Use only the mattress that comes with the cot
Ensure there are no tears in cot fabric or other signs of wear & tear.

Hi I got a portacot given to me. I need to buy a mattress but you say only use the one it came with. Can advice please

Product Safety Australia who monitor all safety standards have the following information

Only use the mattress specifically designed for the cot—an ill-fitting or extra mattress can create dangerous gaps that can trap a sleeping child and cause suffocation. Never use inflatable mattresses or similar products with folding cots.
They may cause babies to suffocate by forming to the shape of their face.
If you need to buy a mattress, get one from the supplier that meets the specified dimensions.
https://www.productsafety.gov.au/products/babies-kids/kids-furniture/folding-cots