Verses 12-14 form a parallel to the earlier verses discussing the reversal of rule, but have a possibly different context. Where the earlier verses clearly refer to the results of the Lord’s condemnation, verses 13 and 14 here are speaking of the judgement of the Lord that is to come. Thus there is a possible shift in the time emphasis of these verses. Where the earlier verses discuss the social upheaval to come, these verses should be seen in the context of the discussion of the sins that will cause the destruction.
In this case, the literal leadership by “babes” becomes a figurative leadership by the inept (symbolized as children and women) and possibly refers to the current leadership of Jerusalem and Judah that is leading Israel on this path toward destruction. Note the very clear present tense of the statement “they who lead thee cause thee to err and destroy the way of thy paths.” This is not the future, but the present. The actions of the present will lead to the calamities of the future, and for so leading, the current leaders are inept, using the symbolism of children and women (counter to the social expectations of leadership) as description of their ineptness in proper leadership.