A pacifier holder and protector for protecting a pacifier from dirt and other contaminants includes a pouch, a clip connected to the pouch that can be used to connect the holder to an infant's clothing or other item, and a ribbon having one end connected to the pouch and a second end that can be connected to a pacifier. An alternative embodiment of the holder and protector includes an animal character, fictional character, or other object having a built-in pacifier nipple protector connected to a clip or article of clothing and an optional ribbon or strap having one end connected to the clip of other article of clothing and a second end that can be connected to a pacifier.