The invention is directed broadly to a pacifier comprising a resilient body protruding distally from a shield to which the resilient body is attached at a proximal portion of the resilient body wherein a distal portion of the resilient body is substantially closed, the resilient body being configured to be received in an infant's mouth; wherein an upper surface of the resilient body intermediate of the proximal and distal portions is provided with a curved portion configured to conform to an infant's palate; and a lower surface of the resilient body provides a recessed pocket intermediate of the proximal and distal portions, the recessed pocket being configured to receive an infant's tongue.