A device (1) for protecting a pacifier (2) includes: —a housing (3) for the pacifier, the pacifier having an external position where the pacifier is outside of the housing, the pacifier having an internal position where the pacifier is situated inside the housing; —an orifice (6) allowing the pacifier (2) to move from its internal position to its external position and from its external position to its internal position; and —elements (4, 40) for applying a return force (5) to the pacifier, the return force drawing the pacifier from its external position to its internal position. A method employed in this device is described. The pacifier is thus protected from dirt, germs and microbes and therefore the hygiene of the pacifier is improved.