An improved infant pacifier includes a nipple configured to trigger an infant's sucking reflex so as to provide a tool for nourishment and also a calming effect for an infant. An extension depends from a distal end of the nipple to a retainer portion that extends proximally from the extension and is spaced from the nipple. The retainer portion terminates in a proximal contact pad. When the nipple is in the child's mouth, the contact pad engages the child's skin under the chin. Preferably a biasing force gently urges the contact pad toward the nipple, maintaining engagement with the child's skin, and helping retain the nipple in the child's mouth even without any effort on the child's part to retain the nipple. Various specific structures of pacifiers employing these principles are provided.
