If your 13-month-old is not talking, you may be wondering whether they are simply taking their time or whether their speech and language development needs extra attention. It can be especially confusing when your baby is constantly babbling, understands familiar words, points to things, or seems to know exactly what you are saying—but still isn't using recognizable words. You may find yourself asking: Should a 13-month-old be talking? How many words should a 13-month-old say?

Speech and language delay are often determined based on the set developmental milestones for every age group based on the average age at...