Greetings, I'm opportunistically researching this tradition after my mate's sister has just had a new baby. I insisted he had silver to "put in the pram" to gift the baby as he was visiting for the first time since the birth. So I ferreted out an old 1889 three penny bit for him. He thought me mad & obviously asked why? Uhmm...I didn't exactly know? I was taught as a child this was talismatic, a VERY good omen, & would bring financial well-being throughout his/her life IF they kept possession of the coin. In hindsight that infers financial prudence = physical good health, or be cautious with your money & you'll be ok. I was brought up in Suffolk, East Anglia, England, so this tradition was being orally passed on in the 60's. He was bemused as another friend he was relating the news to had said the very same thing! lol Both of us who said this are 50+yrs old & living in Scotland so I'm curious as to the geographic spread, it's still common practice here. Needless to say he's away to meet his nephew & deliver his gift ;O) Regards to all...