Early home therapy of diarrhoea is also very important, especially in areas where patients do not have easy access to a hospital or health centre. The important point is to replace fluid and salt losses early, before they become severe. Several options for early home therapy are summarized here. ORS can be used if it is readily available and the mother understands how to prepare the solution correctly. A more common option is for the mother to use readily available fluids and foods containing vital electrolytes, such as those listed. Alternatively, home-prepared salt and sugar solutions have been recommended, using special plastic or home-made measuring spoons, or domestic spoons, or a pinch-and-scoop method. The best approach for preparing home-made solutions should be chosen in each setting, taking into account such factors as the existing health infrastructure, the available ingredients, and the accuracy with which mothers can prepare solutions.